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Description

Excel — Spreadsheet Macros: Recording, Adapting Code and Automating Routine Tasks

Automate a repetitive task without being a developer and understand the code you run

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

Some tasks come back in exactly the same form every week: formatting a data extract, deleting unused columns, building a summary tab. The time spent is real, and sooner or later a manual error slips in. The macro recorder gives a first result, but the code it produces stops working as soon as the file changes.

This 7-hour day is an entry point: record a macro then read the resulting code, discover variables, loops and conditions, correct a recording that is too rigid and trigger the macro from a button. The aim is to automate a simple routine from start to finish.

Learning objectives

  • Record a macro and run it from a button or a keyboard shortcut
  • Read the code produced by the recorder and identify its instructions
  • Declare a variable and write a conditional statement
  • Write a loop to process a variable number of rows
  • Correct a recorded macro so that it no longer depends on the selection
  • Use step-by-step execution to trace the source of an error

What makes this programme different

Every coding concept is introduced by correcting a macro recorded live in the session
A repetitive task brought by a participant is automated from start to finish
Step-by-step execution and breakpoints are practised from the very first error encountered

Programme

1Recording and running

A first automation without writing code

  • Macro security settings and workbook save formats
  • The macro recorder and choosing the reference mode
  • Running a macro from a button, a shortcut and the ribbon
  • Organising macros within a workbook
  • Limitations of the recorder

2Reading and correcting the code

Understanding what the recorder has written

  • The code editor, modules and procedures
  • Workbook, worksheet and range objects
  • The most common properties and methods
  • Removing unnecessary instructions generated by the recording
  • Comments and indentation

3Making the macro robust

Variables, conditions, loops and errors

  • Declaring and using variables
  • Conditional statements
  • Loops through the rows of a table
  • Dialogue boxes and messages to the user
  • Step-by-step execution, breakpoints and error handling

Who is it for

Confident spreadsheet users who face repetitive processing tasks and wish to discover macro programming.

Prerequisites

Regular spreadsheet practice including formulas, absolute references and handling of data lists.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.