Enhance your Excel workbooks with interactive buttons. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create buttons in Excel using two different methods. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, these easy steps will help you add functionality to your spreadsheets.
Table of Contents
Make Excel Buttons with the Developer Tab
The first method to create a button in Excel is through the Developer tab. Note that this differs from how you create a button in Google Sheets.
Note that I’ve made a short video that shows exactly where to find this in Excel.
It’s only a three-step process, and you can do it right in your worksheet.
1. Activate the Developer Tab
If the Developer option is not visible, you need to enable it. Go to “File” > “Options” > “Customize Ribbon” and check the “Developer” option.
That gives you the option to add buttons from the developer tab.
2. Insert a Button
Once you see the developer tab in your ribbon, click it. Then find the Insert button option within the “Controls” group. (It just says “Insert”).
You’ll notice two types of buttons: Form Control and ActiveX Control. If you want to call a macro, the Form Control button is a fine choice. ActiveX control buttons give you more options, but they’re not needed for this demo.
Generally, you’ll choose to make an ActiveX button when you want more control over the appearance or behavior of the button. (Here’s how Microsoft defines it).
3. Create and Assign a Macro
Once you’ve clicked the Form Control button, choose where you want to put it. Then drag your mouse in the area where you want it to appear. That creates the button.
Of course, you’ll want to assign an Excel macro to make it do something. Pre-programmed macros make this easy. And remember that we also have a guide on recording Macros in Google Sheets.
To assign a macro, right-click the button and select “Assign Macro”. Choose the desired macro from the list. For instance, assign “color blue” to make the button color a cell blue. Similarly, you can assign other macros as needed. Check the video to see it in action.
If you don’t have a premade macro, you can make one now. Just right click your button and click “Format Control”. Then you can add your own VBA code and build out your desired functionality.
Note that you can add common macros to the Quick Access Toolbar, so you can quickly access them in any of the sheets of your workbook.
Related: Does Google Sheets have Macros?
Using Shapes as Macro Buttons
If you prefer not to use the Developer tab or don’t have it enabled on your Excel ribbon, you can use shapes as macro or script buttons in Microsoft Excel.
1. Insert a Shape
Go to the “Insert” tab and select “Shapes”.
Then, choose your preferred shape. In my video, I use a triangle and a star. You can use a rectangle or other common shapes, too. Note that I give each of these unique functions in my sheet.
2. Assign a Macro to the Shape
As you did with the developer tab button, you’ll need to draw the shape outline in your sheet. Just click and drag your mouse over the area where you want it to appear in your Excel spreadsheet. You can change the button’s size anytime.
Next, you need to assign the button properties.
Right-click the shape and select “Assign Macro”. This is also the same process we used earlier. Just Choose your desired macro from the list. For example, assigning the “hello” macro to a triangle shape or the “goodbye” macro to a star shape.
Conclusion
Creating Excel macro buttons is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your spreadsheetโs functionality. Whether you use the Developer tab to add buttons or insert shapes as buttons, you have flexibility depending on your needs.ย This guide provided two effective ways to add buttons in Excel, allowing you to choose the method that best fits your workflow.
Happy button-making!
