Using Macros in Spreadsheets

Using Macros in Spreadsheets

• A macro is a sequence of instructions that can be executed repeatedly
• Macros can automate tasks by recording and running keystrokes and clicks
• Macros are turned off by default in LibreOffice
• Enable macro recording by going to Tools > Options > LibreOffice > Advanced and checking the "Enable macro recording" box
• Macros record keyboard and mouse actions, excluding:
  • Opening other windows
  • Actions outside the current spreadsheet
  • Actions involving window switching
  • Actions not related to spreadsheet contents (e.g., changing options)
  • Mouse-related selections (only keyboard-based selections are recorded)
• Macros work in Calc and Writer
• To record a macro:
  • Go to Tools > Macros > Record Macro
  • Perform the actions you want to record
  • Click Stop Recording
  • Choose a location and name for the macro
• Macros are saved as modules within libraries
• A library is a collection of modules, each containing macros
• Macro names should:
  • Start with a letter
  • Contain no spaces
  • Only contain underscores (_) as special characters
• To run a macro:
  • Go to Tools > Macros > Run Macro
  • Select the library and module containing the macro
  • Select the desired macro
  • Click Run
• A macro's code is written in BASIC
• The code can be viewed and edited (but only if the user understands BASIC)
• The code structure starts with Sub followed by the macro's name, and ends with End Sub
• Macros can be organized through LibreOffice Basic
• Macros can be used to perform repeated calculations or actions

Creating and Organizing Macros

• Macros are stored as instructions in a programming language
• When creating a macro, select a library or module to store a new or existing one
• To organize macros:
  • Go to Tools > Macros > Organize Macros > LibreOffice Basic to open the dialog box
  • Select Organizer to open the Basic Macro Organizer Dialog
  • Create a library by using Library > New
  • Create a module by using Module > New
• A module can be executed from the IDE by clicking the Run button or pressing F5.
• Macros can be functions which are capable of accepting arguments and return values
• Macros can be used to perform calculations repeatedly

Macro Questions and Answers

• A macro is a series of instructions that creates a single action. Real life examples of macro use include automating data entry or reporting tasks in a business environment, or in a personal use scenario.
• The actions not recorded during the macro recording process are listed above
• LibreOffice Macros Library: A library provided by LibreOffice containing pre-recorded macros. My Macros folder is the one where users can save their own macros
• Predefined functions are built-in operations, while macros are custom sequences of instructions
• Rules for naming macros are stated above

True/False Statements About Macros

• Macro = single instruction, FALSE (A macro is a series of actions)
• Macro can be used multiple times after its creation, TRUE
• Macro recording is on by default, FALSE (default is off)
• Macro recording cannot be stopped, FALSE (Stop Recording button)
• Macros should be given unique names, TRUE
• Macro can be edited after creation, TRUE

Fill-in-the-Blank Statements on Macros

• LibreOffice library is loaded automatically during document open.
• IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment.
• Macro functions can accept and return values.
• Macros let users add, delete, and modify data within a document.
• Macro code starts with Sub and ends with End Sub.

Multiple Choice Questions (Regarding Macros)

• Macros recording can be enabled from the Tools menu option
• Invalid Macro name examples are macro names containing invalid characters
• LibreOfficeMacros is the Library provided by libre office that should not be changed.
• Basic is a programming language
• The default macro name is often Main.