A macro is a way for Excel to remember a series of steps and replay them on command. There are two ways you can create macros. First you can record a macro, which is appropriate when you want to record a series of steps you perform quite often. The second method of creating a macro, writing one from scratch, is much more powerful. To create a macro from scratch, follow these steps: Choose the Macro option from the Tools menu, then choose Macros from the resulting submenu. Excel displays the Macro dialog box.  In the Macros In box (at the bottom of the dialog box), select where you want your new macro stored. In the Macro Name box, type a descriptive name you want assigned to the macro you are writing. Click on Create. Visual Basic for Applications will start up and you can write your macro. (You can also paste macro code from other sources. When you are through, close the macro window by selecting the Close and Return to Microsoft Excel option from the File menu, or pressAlt+Q. Excel trips brought to you by Alan Salmon of K2 Enterprises Canada, a leading provider of professional development seminars for the Canadian accounting world.