Project 2010 Bible

Chapter 17. Using Macros to Speed Your Work

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Using macros

• Recording macros

• Running macros

• Using shortcuts to run macros

• Using VBA to create a filter to see critical tasks and resource assignments

Macros are small programs that carry out repetitive tasks you perform frequently. You may have used macros in a word-processing program. Macros work the same way in Project as they do in your word processor.

Don't let the word program in the preceding paragraph deter you from getting to know macros. Although you can work with the macro programming code, Project provides an easier way for you to write a macro, which I present in this chapter.

In addition to recording a macro, you can produce even more powerful automation by writing your own Visual Basic for Applications, or VBA, code. This chapter shows you how to write VBA code to filter all tasks on the project's critical path that should have finished by the current date, but have not. This example of VBA code is not intended to be a comprehensive VBA reference guide for Project. Instead, its purpose is to introduce you to many concepts of automating Project and to help you get your feet wet in the world of writing custom code.

Using Macros

Macros are most useful when you need to perform any repetitive task. In particular, you can use Project macros to do the following:

• Display frequently used tables

• Display frequently used views

• Switch to a custom view

• Generate standard reports

As you become comfortable using Project, you'll identify ...