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How to Use Macros with cobby

Learn when and how to use Excel macros with cobby, and when formulas or templates are better alternatives.

When Macros Make Sense​

Macros are useful for:

  • Data cleanup and transformation tasks
  • Repetitive multi-step processes
  • One-time complex operations
  • Automating cobby workflows

When to Avoid Macros​

Consider alternatives to macros for:

  • Simple calculations � Use formulas
  • Repeatable workflows � Use cobby templates
  • Data transformations � Use Power Query
  • Regular data updates � Use formulas with templates

Advantages of Formulas Over Macros​

Formulas are Transparent​

Formulas:

  • Logical, unambiguous constructs
  • Easy to understand and verify
  • Visible in the formula bar
  • Quick to learn and use

Macros:

  • Code can be complex and opaque
  • Hard to troubleshoot without programming knowledge
  • Not easily understood by all team members
  • Time-consuming to fix when broken

Formulas are Maintainable​

When a formula doesn't work:

  • Anyone can see and fix it
  • Logic is clear and traceable
  • Documentation is built-in

When a macro doesn't work:

  • Requires VBA knowledge to fix
  • May take significant time to debug
  • Can become a blocker if the creator is unavailable

Templates Enable Reusability​

cobby templates allow you to:

  • Save formulas for repeated use
  • Document workflows step-by-step
  • Share setups across team members
  • Maintain consistency

This combines the power of automation with the transparency of formulas.

For Regular Tasks​

  1. Define the process with filters and templates
  2. Use formulas for calculations and transformations
  3. Document steps in template names and descriptions
  4. Train team members on the template-based workflow

Benefits:

  • Anyone can use templates after brief training
  • No programming knowledge required
  • Consistent results across users
  • Easy to update and maintain

For Cleanup Tasks​

Macros are ideal for cleanup operations:

  • Removing empty rows or columns
  • Standardizing data formats
  • Batch find and replace
  • One-time data corrections

Example cleanup tasks:

  • Convert all text to proper case
  • Remove duplicate spaces
  • Standardize phone number formats
  • Clean up imported data inconsistencies

cobby Compatibility​

Macros Work with cobby​

  • Excel macros run normally in cobby workbooks
  • Macros can trigger cobby processes
  • cobby functions are accessible via VBA
  • No special configuration needed

Best Practices​

When using macros with cobby:

  1. Test thoroughly: Verify macros work with cobby data structure
  2. Save first: Always save before running macros
  3. Use cleanup macros: Reserve macros for cleanup steps
  4. Document: Comment your code clearly
  5. Share carefully: Not all users may be comfortable with macros

Example Use Cases​

Good Macro Uses​

Data Cleanup:

' Remove all empty rows
Sub RemoveEmptyRows()
    ' Macro code here
End Sub

Batch Operations:

' Apply specific formatting to all products in a category
Sub FormatByCategory()
    ' Macro code here
End Sub

One-Time Import:

' Transform supplier data format to cobby format
Sub TransformSupplierData()
    ' Macro code here
End Sub

Better with Formulas​

Price Calculations:

' Instead of macro
=ROUND([@Cost]*1.4;2)

Conditional Text:

' Instead of macro
=IF([@Stock]>0;"In Stock";"Out of Stock")

Text Building:

' Instead of macro
=CONCATENATE([@Brand];" ";[@Name])

Enabling Macros in Excel​

Step 1: Open Excel Options​

Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings

Step 2: Configure Macro Settings​

Choose one of:

  • Disable all macros with notification (recommended)
  • Enable all macros (not recommended for security)

Step 3: Save as Macro-Enabled​

Save the workbook as:

  • .xlsm (Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook)

Security Considerations​

Risks​

  • Macros can contain malicious code
  • Only run macros from trusted sources
  • Review code before enabling

Protection​

  • Use "Disable with notification" setting
  • Review macros before running
  • Keep Excel and cobby updated
  • Don't share macro files publicly

Transition from Macros to Formulas​

If you currently use macros, consider:

Step 1: Document Current Process​

Write down what the macro does step by step.

Step 2: Identify Formula Alternatives​

Check if each step can be done with:

  • Standard Excel formulas
  • cobby's IFISEMPTY function
  • Conditional formatting
  • Built-in Excel features

Step 3: Create Template​

Build a cobby template with:

  • Formula columns
  • Filter settings
  • Documentation

Step 4: Train Team​

Show team members how to use the template instead of the macro.

When Macros Are the Best Choice​

Keep macros for:

  1. Complex cleanup: Multi-step data transformations
  2. Workflow automation: Triggering multiple cobby actions
  3. Custom integration: Connecting cobby to other tools
  4. One-time migrations: Large data imports with complex rules

Tips​

  • Document everything: Comment your macro code thoroughly
  • Version control: Save different versions of macro workbooks
  • Test on copies: Never run untested macros on production data
  • Keep it simple: Simpler macros are easier to maintain
  • Consider Power Query: May be better for complex data transformations

Getting Help​

If you need to create or fix macros:

  1. Excel VBA documentation: Microsoft's official resources
  2. cobby support: Contact for guidance on cobby-specific integrations
  3. Developer community: Excel forums and Stack Overflow
  • Formulas in cobby: Basic formula usage (coming soon)
  • Templates: Save configurations for reuse (coming soon)
  • Power Query: Alternative to macros for data transformation
  • Optimize performance: Speed up large workbooks (coming soon)