Excel for Mac Users: Mastering the Essentials

Are you new to using Excel on your Mac? Or are you looking to brush up on your skills and take your spreadsheet game to the next level? Whatever your goal, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the basics and beyond of using Excel on your Apple computer.

Understanding Office VBA Support

Before diving into the world of Excel for Mac users, it's essential to understand how Office VBA support works. According to Microsoft, Office VBA support is available for Office 2016 for Mac, but with some limitations. For instance, Office 2016 for Mac doesn't support third-party COM add-ins, which may affect your workflow. However, you can still use COM add-ins that rely on custom ribbon controls.

Customizing Your Ribbon

One of the most exciting features in Excel for Mac users is the ability to customize your ribbon using Ribbon XML. This allows you to create a personalized and efficient workspace that caters to your specific needs. With this feature, you can also invoke macros using custom ribbon controls and include Office Fluent Controls within a custom ribbon tab.

Compatibility with Office 2016 for Mac

It's crucial to note that there are some differences in ribbon support between Office 2016 for Mac and Office for Windows. While Office 2016 for Mac supports ribbon customization using Ribbon XML, it may not be compatible with all third-party add-ins. Therefore, it's essential to check the compatibility of any add-ins you plan to use.

New VBA Commands for Office 2016 for Mac

Office 2016 for Mac introduces several new and unique VBA commands that can help minimize the effects of sandboxing. Sandboxing restricts apps from accessing resources outside the app container, which may affect add-ins or macros that involve file access or communication across processes.

Some of the new VBA commands include:

* Requesting a user's permission to access multiple files at once

* Allowing external AppleScript scripts to run from VB

* Creating an installer for your add-in

Tips and Tricks

Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you master Excel on your Mac:

* Use the 'IFDEF' function between different Mac Office versions at compile time.

* Use the 'Minimize' feature to reduce the effects of sandboxing.

Excel is a powerful tool that can help you streamline your workflow, analyze data, and create professional-looking reports. As an Excel for Mac user, it's essential to understand how Office VBA support works, customize your ribbon, and take advantage of new VBA commands introduced in Office 2016 for Mac.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the essentials of using Excel on your Apple computer. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, there's always something new to learn and discover in the world of Excel for Mac users.

Excel for mac users