Macro Recorder
Record sequences of operations and replay them on any sheet — automate repetitive cleanup tasks without writing code.
Overview
The macro recorder in SheetTool captures a sequence of operations as you perform them: transforms, sorts, deduplication, search-and-replace, and more. Once recorded, a macro can be replayed on any sheet with one click, applying all the recorded steps in order. Macros persist in your browser across sessions, so you can reuse them every time you receive a similar file. Save, rename, and delete macros to keep your library organized.
Syntax & Reference
- Record
- Start recording to capture every operation you perform. The recorder tracks transforms, sorts, deduplication, search-and-replace, and other bulk actions.
- Stop & Save
- Stop recording and save the macro with a descriptive name. The macro is stored in your browser's local storage and available in future sessions.
- Replay
- Apply a saved macro to the current sheet. All recorded steps execute in sequence, transforming the data just as they did during the original recording.
- Manage macros
- View, rename, and delete saved macros. Keep your macro library focused on the file types and workflows you use regularly.
- Supported operations
- Macros can record column transforms (uppercase, lowercase, trim, etc.), sort operations, deduplication, search-and-replace, and other bulk data operations.
Examples
Weekly vendor catalog cleanup
Record a macro that trims whitespace, converts product names to title case, removes empty rows, deduplicates by SKU, and sorts by category. Replay it every week when the new catalog arrives.
CRM export standardization
Record the steps to clean a CRM export: trim all columns, fix email casing to lowercase, remove duplicates, sort by company name. Replay before handing the file to sales operations.
Multi-step data preparation
Record a sequence that removes blanks, applies search-and-replace for deprecated category names, sorts by date, and removes specific columns. Use it every time you process the same report format.
Quick formatting standardization
Create a short macro that trims whitespace and fixes casing on key columns. Keep it as a general-purpose first step for any new file.
Tips & Best Practices
- Record macros after you have tested the steps manually once — this ensures the sequence works correctly before saving.
- Keep macros focused on one file type or workflow. A short, specific macro is easier to trust than a broad all-purpose one.
- Name macros descriptively (e.g., 'Weekly Vendor Cleanup' or 'CRM Export Prep') so you can find the right one quickly.
- Use undo after replaying a macro to verify the result. If something looks wrong, you can undo all steps and adjust the approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What operations can be recorded in a macro?+
Macros capture column transforms (uppercase, lowercase, trim, etc.), sort operations, deduplication, search-and-replace, and other bulk data operations. Cell-level edits and navigation are not recorded — macros focus on repeatable data operations.
Do macros work across different files?+
Yes. A macro recorded on one file can be replayed on any file, as long as the column names or structure are compatible. If a recorded step references a column that does not exist, that step will be skipped or produce a warning.
Where are macros stored?+
Macros are stored in your browser's local storage. They persist across sessions and page reloads. They are not uploaded to any server. Clearing your browser's site data will remove saved macros.
Can I edit a recorded macro?+
Currently, macros cannot be edited after recording. If you need to change a step, record a new macro with the updated sequence. You can delete the old macro and save the new one with the same name.