How do I create a tutorial for users to utilize my macros?

**WorldBridge** · 08-22-2012, 07:59 PM

I have created a file that uses a number of macros.

This file will be used by some low level users so I want to explain to them what to do using some kind of tutorial.

Is there a way to do this with macros etc? or would it just be too complicated to be worth it?

Basically I want to create a text/comment box etc. with instructions and maybe an arrow indicating where to click, double click etc.
Then when the user clicks on the box or hits next etc. moves on to the next step.

I can imagine doing this using macros but it would be a really involved and cumbersome one.

--> Is there an easier way?

**Winon** · 08-22-2012, 08:36 PM

Hello WorldBridge,

Something like the attached WorkBook perhaps?

**jonelamora** · 08-22-2012, 09:39 PM

or you can just create a manual..with pictures on it..
the fact that they are low level users as you said
can also mean that they don't have any idea how to
run a macro..and having a macro to teach them
how to use the macro may just cause more complication

Try to create a very detailed manual on how to use your macro.
What to expect when you click this button. What happens when you click yes or no.

**WorldBridge** · 08-24-2012, 05:54 PM

Thanks Winon for the example. I think I need something a bit more robust though.

Here is the file that I'm working with so you can have a better idea:

budget.xlsm

The file uses buttons to run all the macros so low level users can handle it.

Most of the buttons etc. are fairly self explanatory and I've done my best to make them idiot proof
but if you double-click different columns of a transaction you can perform various actions.

I want to explain the different actions clearly...

jonelamora, Are you talking about an actual help manual or something or just a word doc to go with it?

**Winon** · 08-24-2012, 10:44 PM

Hello WorldBridge,

I see what you mean. But you have done a great job so far. I did however found a little problem, before we can jack it up further for you.

Double-Click on D19 and then see what happens if you continue to Remove the transaction.

**WorldBridge** · 08-27-2012, 07:41 PM

Yeah, I noticed that same issue earlier. Honestly I haven't the faintest idea why it was happening but I adjusted some of the logic in the if statement just for my own sanity and changed the order and that seemed to fix that issue.

I REALLY APPRECIATE THE INPUT! The hardest part about writing this has been testing if everything actually works when someone else does it.
I've been working on the file all morning. Here is the updated file with some bug fixes, better steamlining and more notations in the code:

BudgetTracker.xlsm

I also added a new tab with some instructions. It's very low tech and might be cumbersome for users but it's something for now...

**coreytroy** · 08-27-2012, 08:47 PM

You could set up a form with a media player screen captured video on it to visually show the users how to do things!

That would help the learn da bits and pieces required.

**Winon** · 08-27-2012, 11:10 PM

Hello WorldBridge,

I think it would be wrong in a way to assume that everyone is as, let us say, less smart than the other, or that all of them are not smart at all. I like the Video Idea, as well.

What I would suggest is to present them with what you have done on the "Instructions for Use" Page and then, give them a choice to select a specific topic they want to freshen up with, while they are actually working with your Program, by Clicking on a "Help" Button.

Also try to elicit their co-operation by involving them with what kind or level of help they are looking for, by providing them with a seperate Sheet for feedback.

See WorkBook attached. Maybe it could stimulate a fresh approach.

**WorldBridge** · 08-28-2012, 11:36 AM

That's a good idea. I definitely like it but I have no clue how I would do that.

Are you talking about embedding a video in a userform or do you mean some other type of form?

Do you have any references for what you mean exactly?

Originally Posted by coreytroy

You could set up a form with a media player screen captured video on it to visually show the users how to do things!

That would help the learn da bits and pieces required.

**WorldBridge** · 09-05-2012, 12:29 PM

Since this thread fizzled and I stopped getting responses I just made a word document with steps and screen grabs.
Then I also Included a tab with a text version of the directions.

It's not an elegeant solution but it gets the job done.

BudgetTracker instructions.docx
BudgetTracker.xlsm

**john55** · 09-05-2012, 01:15 PM

as an option (depends the file's size) you can add your pictures and explanations from the word to the last sheet and name it as "Help" or if you want to create a userform and add sone pages for pictures and/or explanations and with a simple button the "help" appears...

**Winon** · 09-05-2012, 02:06 PM

@ john55,

And I have just finished doing what you suggested. Great minds think alike.

I have added another Sheet and copied the pictures and explanations from the word doc.

But the File size has grown to plus minus 1.4MB, too big for upload.

**WorldBridge** · 09-05-2012, 02:09 PM

Could you email it to me? I'd love to check it out.
[email protected]

**Winon** · 09-05-2012, 02:31 PM

Hello WorldBridge,

Check your Mail. You should have it by now.

**WorldBridge** · 09-05-2012, 03:44 PM

Thank you for the excellent example. Not too technical and still highly useful.

May I ask how you managed to import everything from word and keep it all lined up?

**Winon** · 09-05-2012, 04:12 PM

Hello WorldBridge,

You are always, most welcome. Thank you for the kind response.

Must admit that it was not easy. I copied everything from your Word.doc into Excel, only to find that everything was out of alignment. (Especially the arrows). With some patience I simply re-organised it the way you intended it to be. Also found some spelling errors which I have corrected for you; i.e. Somewhere in there you were refering to "their" instead of "there" and so on.

It kept my so busy that I completely forgot to Rename the Sheet to "Help". I am sure you could handle that.

Should you require any further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

You have put together a nice little program here! (Lots of potential) !

**WorldBridge** · 09-05-2012, 04:16 PM

Thanks for doing that!!! I was trying to avoid doing exactly that myself so I definitely appreciate it! lol

Yeah I changed the name etc. so it's all good to go now.

Thank you for the feedback as well, I've been working on it off and on for quite a while.

**Winon** · 09-05-2012, 04:20 PM

Glad I could be of some help !

How do I create a tutorial for users to utilize my macros?

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