If you’re a frequent user of Google Sheets in everyday life, you must know that repetitive tasks take much time. You need to format cells, texts, numbers, graphs, borders, and so on.

Thanks to the App Script and GUI-based recording, you can automate tasks by running macros. Though running a macro is easy, it may not be feasible or acceptable in all cases. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of Google Sheets macros, you can use them efficiently and securely.

Why Should You Use Google Sheets Macros?

Let’s say that you need to manage thousands of data in several worksheets. These worksheets could be the annual budget, to-do lists, monthly budget, investment tracker, event planner, scheduler, product inventories, and so on.

Eventually, all these Google Sheets will contain different formatting for texts, numbers, dates, times, and many more. You could also create colored columns, rows, and texts for better data visibility.

You’d eliminate many repetitive steps if you carefully record all the Google Sheets UI interactions you perform using the Macro Recorder. Do this once for each worksheet, and assign a keyboard shortcut for the macro.

Related: How to Automate Repetitive Tasks in Google Sheets With Macros

Now, use the keyboard shortcut to format newly-entered data. Here are some of the easy macros that you can begin with:

  • Formatting numerous tables in a worksheet.
  • Create the same data visualization from similar sets of data repeatedly.
  • Transform formulas into values and then export data to any other tools.
  • Sort the data on all sheets following a uniform rule.
  • Effortlessly unhide columns and rows across the worksheet.
  • Assign uniform tab colors to all the sheets of a specific file.
  • Macros let you reset filters in a flash.

You can implement macros to reduce the time you spend organizing and calculating data. The advantages of Google Sheets macros will fuel your confidence and motivation.

What Are the Advantages of Using Macros in Google Sheets?

A macro is one of the Google Sheets quick hacks to enhance the Google Sheets user experience. It increases your efficiency and capability to manage more data while reducing the overall turnaround time. The following are a few vital benefits of using macros in your spreadsheet:

1. Automation

You can fully automate Google Sheets-based data processing using macros. All you need to do is plan your strategy for data entry, formatting, organization, calculation, and visualization.

Now, execute the tasks step-by-step while recording each task in a separate macro. Assign unique keyboard shortcuts to the macros. You can also make a glossary for these shortcuts and place them in the worksheet for reference.

For small-scale database work, Google Sheets macros can easily cut down the cost of an extra team member or costly tools.

Related: How to Create a Database in Microsoft Access: A Step-by-Step Guide

2. Error-Free Data Processing

Human error is unavoidable in spreadsheets. The errors could multiply if multiple individuals work on the same worksheet. Therefore, implementing macros will minimize manual tasks such as data entry, data formatting, and data calculations.

When there are minimal manual tasks, you can expect error-free data processing in a collaborative spreadsheet.

3. Apply Data Validation and Compliance Rules

If your work requires stringent compliance requirements, then you can utilize macros. Use macros to apply multiple rules instantly instead of manually assigning rules to each sheet.

You can effortlessly implement data compliance and validation policies across many projects without wasting time and money.

4. Cut Down the Guess Work

Someone is thinking about the next steps

Macros and Google Forms can help you extend the power of your worksheets. For collaborative worksheets, use dedicated Google Forms for data entry. Also, assign a few macros for formatting and calculations.

Your team members can now effortlessly enter new data and format the sheet to meet your expectations. They also don’t need to wait for your instructions.

5. Eliminates Dullness

You or your team members will soon become exhausted if you need to manually enter data, format cells, or calculate values, and so on. Manual work also needs extra focus. Thus, your workforce becomes more unproductive.

Automatic macros help you work faster and eliminate boredom at work. You and your workforce can easily shift the focus to vital tasks that earn you revenue.

6. Easy-to-Troubleshoot

Repairing App Script of macros is easy

One macro can store multiple UI interactions. Thus, if you see any unusual formatting, data organization, or calculated values, you’ll know where to troubleshoot.

If you don’t use macros, you’ll have to go through tons of steps to troubleshoot errors.

7. Google Apps Integration

The underlying program of macros is the App Script. You can learn advanced scripts to integrate Google Sheets with other Google Workspace services like Docs, Drive, Forms, and so on.

You can use macros to move, copy, or delete files in Google Drive from Google Sheets.

Is There Any Disadvantage of Google Sheets Macros?

A few drawbacks prevent the full-fledged deployment of macros in any project. The following are the shortcomings that Google Sheets macros suffer:

1. App Script Security Issues

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Unknown macros could pose a threat to your entire Google worksheet. Hackers could create complex macro scripts that can steal data from your work or destroy the database for good.

2. Macros Don’t Export/Import Automatically

You can’t execute macros from one sheet to another. You need to go through a complex process of importing macros by copying its script.

3. Learning Curve

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You need to go through some Google Sheets help and training articles to master the usage of macros. You’ll also need to plan Google Sheets UI interactions to create effective macros.

4. Keyboard Shortcut Conflicts

There are at least ten Google Sheets keyboard shortcuts that could interfere with macro shortcuts. Because those shortcuts also start with Ctrl + Alt + Shift.

Hence, you need to create unique shortcuts for macros. Also, write them down for future reference.

5. There Could Be Bugs in Heavy Macros

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Sometimes, you may not include all UI interactions in one macro. A macro with extensive steps could slow down data processing or even may not work at all. You might want to split the steps into multiple macros.

Use Google Sheets Macros for Fast Flawless Work

There are always pros and cons to any technology, and Google Sheets macros aren’t an exception. However, their advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Hence, many Google Sheets experts use macros in their worksheets to deliver flawless work in a fast-paced working environment. By implementing macros, you can also become a powerful Google Sheets user.