◆ Excel · automate

Automate Data Formatting

Write a short macro that standardises incoming supplier files into our template by reordering columns, fixing date for…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More automate workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Write a short macro that standardises incoming supplier files into our template by reordering…+
Write a short macro that standardises incoming supplier files into our template by reordering columns, fixing date formats and trimming spaces so I don't reformat before uploads.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Provide a reusable macro for the stock clerk: import supplier files, map common column names to…+
Provide a reusable macro for the stock clerk: import supplier files, map common column names to our template, normalise dates and numbers, collapse empty rows, and produce a quick QA report listing rows requiring manual review before upload.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Macros and VBA

Automate repetitive tasks and extend Excel's functionality using recorded actions or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code.

  1. 1

    Open Excel to a new Workbook.

  2. 2

    Enable the Developer tab by going to File, selecting Options, then Customize Ribbon, and checking Developer.

    NoteThe Developer tab is hidden by default.

  3. 3

    On the Developer tab, in the Code group, select Record Macro.

    Best practiceYou don't need to know VBA to create macros; the recorder captures your actions.

  4. 4

    Accept all default settings in the Record Macro dialog box, then click OK.

  5. 5

    Perform the actions you want to automate in your Excel workbook.

  6. 6

    On the Developer tab, in the Code group, select Stop Recording.

  7. 7

    To run the macro, on the Developer tab, select Macros.

  8. 8

    In the Macro name box, select your macro, and press the Run button.

  9. 9

    To edit a macro, on the Developer tab, select Macros, choose the macro, and press Edit.

    NoteThis action opens the Visual Basic Editor.

  10. 10

    To enable all macros, go to File, select Options, then Trust Center, Trust Center Settings, and Macro Settings.

  11. 11

    Check Enable all macros and click OK.

    CautionEnabling all macros can be a security risk; only do this for trusted workbooks.

  12. 12

    Save your workbook as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) to preserve your macros.

Use the Excel Desktop App to create, edit, and run VBA macros, as Excel for the web has limited macro support.

Yes, VBA provides an extensive API for automating Excel tasks, interacting with other Office applications, and integrating with external systems.

Glossary

words on this page
Trust Center SettingsSpecific configurations within the Trust Center that control security aspects like macros and add-ins.ExampleYou adjust these to enable or disable all macros in your Excel workbooks.
Enable all macrosA security setting that allows all macros to run without any security warnings, increasing risk.ExampleYou choose to enable all macros, allowing a downloaded spreadsheet's custom buttons to function.
Customize RibbonPersonalize the Ribbon by adding, removing, or reordering tabs and commands.ExampleYou customize the Ribbon to add your most frequently used formatting commands to a new tab.
Macro SettingsOptions within the Trust Center that determine how macros are handled and allowed to run.ExampleYou can choose whether to allow all macros to run or block them for security.
Stop RecordingA command that ends the process of capturing user actions to create a macro.ExampleAfter performing the steps for your macro, you click this to finish capturing actions.

The real tasks

1 of them
Write a short macro that standardizes incoming supplier files into our template so I don't have to reformat before every upload.

Who does this

1 roles
Store Supervisor

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Excel — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.