How to Enable Macros in Office for Mac 2019 on macOS Big Sur
Question details
The user needs to enable VBA macros in Microsoft Office 2019 on macOS Big Sur and clarify which file formats support macros to prevent them from being disabled or lost.
- Product
- Microsoft Office for Mac 2019
- Device & OS
- macOS Big Sur
- Scenario
- Attempting to run or save VBA macros in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint after reinstalling Office on macOS Big Sur.
- Observed behavior
- Macros remain disabled by default, and saving documents in standard formats like DOCX results in macros being stripped out, causing confusion about proper security settings and format requirements.
Ensure you are only enabling macros for documents received from a trusted source, as malicious macros can pose a security risk to your Mac.
Adjust Macro Security Preferences in Office Applications
Use this solution to allow macros to run by modifying the built-in security preferences for Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
By default, Office for Mac 2019 restricts macros to protect your device from potentially harmful scripts. You must manually adjust the security settings within each application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to allow your macros to execute.
Launch the Office application (e.g., Word). Click on the application's name in the top menu bar (next to the Apple logo) and select 'Preferences'.
In the Preferences window, locate and click on 'Security & Privacy' under the Personal Settings section.
Find the 'Macro Security' section. Select either 'Disable all macros with notification' (recommended so you can choose when to run them) or 'Enable all macros' if you only work with safe files. Close the window to apply the changes.
Save Files in Macro-Enabled Formats (DOCM, XLSM, PPTM)
Use this method to ensure your VBA code is permanently saved with your document.
Convert Older Legacy Formats (DOC, XLS, PPT)
Upgrade older document formats to newer macro-enabled formats to prevent compatibility issues on newer macOS versions.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Document Experience on Mac
If you are tired of dealing with complex security settings, compatibility issues, or the heavy resource usage of Microsoft Office, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, free alternative that is highly compatible with Microsoft formats, ensuring smooth document management on macOS.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS installation package.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and follow the standard macOS installation prompts.
- 3. Open Your Office Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing DOCX, XLSX, or PPTX files directly to enjoy a seamless editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I save macros in standard DOCX or XLSX files on Mac?
No. Standard formats like DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX are specifically designed to block VBA code for security reasons. You must save your files in macro-enabled formats such as DOCM, XLSM, or PPTM to preserve your macros.
Do I need to convert my older DOC or XLS files on macOS Big Sur?
While older binary formats like DOC and XLS do support macros and do not strictly require conversion to open, it is highly recommended to convert them to DOCM or XLSM. This ensures better performance, enhanced security, and full feature compatibility with Office 2019.
How do I access the Developer tab in Office for Mac?
To access macro tools directly from your application's ribbon, you must enable the Developer tab. Open the application's Preferences (e.g., Word > Preferences), navigate to 'Ribbon & Toolbar', and check the box next to 'Developer' in the Main Tabs list.
