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Unit-2 ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET (ADVANCED) USING LIBREOFFICE CALC
5 USING MACROS IN
SPREADSHEET
A macro in LibreOffice Calc is a powerful tool used to automate tasks, save time, and improve productivity in
spreadsheet management. It allows users to record a series of actions, which can then be replayed to perform
repetitive functions such as data entry, calculations, and formatting. LibreOffice Calc provides features such
as the Macro Recorder, the ability to organise and pass arguments to macros, and even use them like built-
in functions for enhanced flexibility. Additionally, macros can be used for tasks like sorting data and directly
accessing cells, making them an essential feature for efficient spreadsheet handling.
MACRO
At times we have to type same formula several times in different sheets or to apply some formatting changes in
different spreadsheets, etc. These types of tasks make our work tedious. So, to get rid of these, LibreOffice Calc
provides a tool called Macro that enables to automate such tasks. This tool can be used to do many redundant
tasks. A macro in Calc is a set of instructions that automates repetitive tasks. It is a tool that can be used to
perform redundant tasks with relative ease. It is a saved sequence of actions or keystrokes that are stored for later
use. An example of a simple macro is one that “types” our address. The LibreOffice macro language is flexible, as
it enables automation of both simple and complex tasks. Macros are especially useful in execution of such type
of tasks which are repeated again and again, frequently or within a specified time interval in the same manner.
Advantages of Macro
Some of the advantages of macro are as follows:
It saves user’s time.
It allows to repeat a number of commands in just one click or using the shortcut key.
It allows a user to record numerous formatting commands or formulas on a single sheet.
It allows a user to use their names for each macro.
It reduces the errors occurring with repetitive tasks.
It is capable to perform any kind of complex calculations easily.
Rules for Naming a Macro
A macro name must begin with a letter.
It should not contain spaces.
No special character is allowed except underscore(_).
A macro can record various keyboard and mouse actions but few actions can’t be recorded such as:
Opening of windows
Switching of windows
Selection done using keyboard is recorded but not with mouse.
Actions that are not related to spreadsheet content.
Using Macros in Spreadsheet 159

