Holy Macro!

A macro is a series of events that can be recorded and played back at a later date. This can come in handy with many applications, not just a spreadsheet.

A Macro is an abbreviation for a set of commands, so instead of typing a complicated sequence of commands, you can simply type the macro’s name. Most people who are familiar with macros have worked with them in spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel. Instead of manually doing the same functions over and over, you can simply do them once, record the macro, and use one click to have the macro perform for you from that point forward.

A good free program to try is AutoIT. This handy little program is a freeware Windows automation language. It can be used to script most simple Windows-based tasks.

If you use Mac OS X, you’re lucky to have the Automator built right in. You can do a search for the Automator robot, and then use it to record a set of commands you wish to use often.

Macros aren’t difficult to use or understand, and they can make your computing life a whole lot easier.