VBA & Macro Problems

How to Create a VBA Shortcut to Insert Checkmarks in Excel 2021

Natalie Taylor Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to set up a shortcut or automated method to repeatedly insert checkmarks in Excel 2021.

How to Create a VBA Shortcut to Insert Checkmarks in Excel 2021

Product: Microsoft Excel 2021
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Repeatedly entering checkmarks into specific columns in a spreadsheet, which can be tedious without a built-in hotkey.
Observed behavior: Excel 2021 lacks a native keyboard shortcut for Wingdings checkmarks, requiring the user to rely on a VBA Worksheet_SelectionChange macro to automate the insertion.

Before you start

Ensure that the Developer tab is enabled in your Excel ribbon. Because this solution uses VBA, you will need to save your spreadsheet as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) to keep the code active.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Worksheet_SelectionChange VBA Macro

Automate checkmark insertion so that clicking on a cell in a specific column instantly inserts or removes a checkmark.

This method uses an event handler in VBA to detect when a cell in a designated column is clicked. It toggles a checkmark on or off, saving you the trouble of using the Symbol menu repeatedly.

Open the VBA Editor

Press Alt + F11 on your keyboard to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

Select the Target Worksheet

In the Project Explorer panel on the left, double-click the specific worksheet (e.g., Sheet1) where you want the checkmarks to appear.

Paste the Macro Code

Paste your Worksheet_SelectionChange macro into the code window. To target a specific column, ensure your code references the correct range. For example, change Intersect(Target, Range('G:G')) to Intersect(Target, Range('E:E')) to make the macro work in column E.

Format the Column Font

Return to your Excel worksheet, select the entire target column (e.g., Column E), and change the font to 'Wingdings' or 'Marlett', depending on which character code your macro utilizes.

Save as a Macro-Enabled Workbook

Go to File > Save As, and choose 'Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm)' from the file type dropdown menu to ensure your macro is saved.

Use a Worksheet_SelectionChange VBA Macro

Macro Security Warning: Macros can pose security risks. Only enable macros in trusted workbooks and avoid running unverified code from unknown sources.

How to Insert Checkmarks in WPS Spreadsheets

If you want to avoid dealing with VBA code, WPS Spreadsheets offers a straightforward way to insert checkmarks. You can quickly use the built-in symbol library to mark your tasks without writing any macros.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet document.
2. Access the Symbol Menu: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon and click on the 'Symbol' button.
3. Select and Insert the Checkmark: In the Symbol dialog box, set the font to 'Wingdings', locate the checkmark symbol, and click 'Insert' to add it to your selected cell.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xlsm) filesBuilt-in symbol library for quick checkmark insertionFree and lightweight office suite for Windows, Mac, and Linux

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply the checkmark VBA macro to multiple columns?

Yes, you can modify the VBA code to include multiple ranges. For example, you can change the target to Intersect(Target, Range('E:E, G:G')) to apply the click-to-checkmark functionality to both columns E and G simultaneously.

Why do I see strange characters instead of checkmarks when I click a cell?

This happens if the target column is not formatted with the correct font. You must ensure the column's font is set to 'Wingdings' or 'Marlett', depending on which character code your specific VBA macro inserts.

Do I have to save my file as an .xlsm?

Yes. Standard .xlsx files cannot store VBA macros. To ensure your checkmark shortcut works the next time you open the file, you must save it as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm).

How do I remove the checkmark using the macro?

A well-written Worksheet_SelectionChange macro acts as a toggle. Clicking an empty cell inserts the checkmark, and clicking the same cell again clears its contents.

Excel & Data Problems