MS Excel: Macros & VBA Shortcuts for Windows and Mac
- Fakhriddinbek
- May 8
- 2 min read
Macros and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) are powerful tools in Microsoft Excel that allow users to automate repetitive tasks, build advanced data manipulation routines, and customize Excel functionality.

Whether you're editing VBA code or simply recording and running macros, using the right shortcuts can drastically increase your speed and coding efficiency.
Why Use Macros & VBA Shortcuts?
Using shortcuts for macros and VBA helps you:
Write and edit VBA code faster
Navigate the VBA Editor efficiently
Record and run macros with fewer clicks
Automate complex Excel tasks with ease
Whether you’re a beginner learning to record macros or an advanced VBA developer, these shortcuts will help streamline your workflow.
Macros & VBA Shortcuts in Excel (Windows & Mac)
General Macro Actions
Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Open Macro Dialog Box | Alt + F8 | Option + F8 |
Run Selected Macro | Alt + F8 → Select → Enter | Option + F8 → Select → Return |
Open Visual Basic Editor (VBE) | Alt + F11 | Fn + Option + F11 (or Alt + F11 if supported) |
Stop a Running Macro | Esc | Esc |
Record a Macro | Alt + T + M + R | Tools → Macro → Record (via ribbon) |
Open Record Macro dialog | Alt + T + M + R | N/A |
Open Macro Security Settings | Alt + T + M + S | N/A |
Mac may require you to access some macro tools through the menu bar as shortcut support is limited.
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Editor Shortcuts
These shortcuts work when you're in the VBA Editor (Visual Basic for Applications).
Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Insert a Module | Alt + I, M | N/A (Use menu: Insert > Module) |
Insert a Procedure | Ctrl + Shift + I | ⌘ + Shift + I |
Comment selected code | Ctrl + Shift + C | ⌘ + Shift + C |
Uncomment selected code | Ctrl + Shift + X | ⌘ + Shift + X |
Run Sub/UserForm | F5 | F5 |
Step Into (debug line by line) | F8 | F8 |
Step Over | Shift + F8 | Shift + F8 |
Step Out | Ctrl + Shift + F8 | ⌘ + Shift + F8 |
Add Watch | Shift + F9 | Shift + F9 |
Toggle Breakpoint | F9 | F9 |
Immediate Window (focus) | Ctrl + G | ⌘ + G |
Toggle Full Module View | Ctrl + R | ⌘ + R |
Find | Ctrl + F | ⌘ + F |
Replace | Ctrl + H | ⌘ + H |
Go To | Ctrl + G (in editor) | ⌘ + G |
Save project | Ctrl + S | ⌘ + S |
Quick Access Tips
Alt + F11 is your best friend—it’s the quickest way into the coding world of Excel.
Use F8 to step through code when debugging to understand each line’s effect.
Combine Ctrl + R and Ctrl + G in the VBA editor to navigate projects and modules quickly.
Conclusion
While Excel’s Macros and VBA environment is heavily mouse-driven, these shortcuts can help both beginners and experienced users write and debug code more efficiently. From recording macros to stepping through VBA procedures, mastering these key combinations unlocks the full power of Excel automation.
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