UNLOCK EXCEL VBA & MACROS

With Leila Gharani (Microsoft Excel MVP & Udemy bestselling Instructor)

©Note: Copyright 2018, XelPlus.com, Leila Gharani, MA 1

Getting Started
1 Download the Project Guide PDF File. This gives you an overview of the projects we
cover inside the course.

2 Download the Excel files and practice along. Don’t miss the quizzes and the activities at
the end of the sections.

3 Activate the developer tab in Excel by going to Files / Options / Customize Ribbon and
put a tick-mark beside Developer.

Make sure you save your files as macro-enabled files and activate macros when looking
4 at the completed versions of the Workbooks.

5 Please close all other Workbooks when working with the course files.

The Workbooks & tools are created for Excel on Windows only.
2
Setting Expectations
1 I use Excel 2016 – Office 365.

2 The course is designed to help you learn VBA (if you’re a complete beginner) & improve your existing
VBA knowledge (if you already have some familiarity).

3 The tools created inside the course are meant to demonstrate how the different concepts can be
brought together. If you are planning to use these, please fully test and update the VBA code
accordingly.

Even though this is a VBA course, I do use more advanced Excel formulas when creating the
4 Regional sales reporting tool and the invoice generation tool. I share the links to videos that cover
these techniques. I do this to show you the advantages of combining Excel functionality with VBA
code.

Remember: You have life-time access to the course. Go through the lectures at a pace
that’s right for you. Do revisit watched lectures to make sure concepts are clear.

3
COURSE REVIEW & RATING
Ratings are very helpful so that the course can be discovered by other students.
I really appreciate it if you can take a few seconds to leave a rating (whenever you feel the time is right).

I’m a big fan of improving & learning. Do let me know if

you have any suggestions for content improvement.

1 Select My Courses

2 Click on the stars

Unlock Excel VBA & Excel
Macros
Leila Gharani, Microsoft Excel MVP
& Bestselling Udemy Instructor

4
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
5
Your First Macro Recording
Become familiar with Macros & Visual Basic Editor

# How to Record a Macro

# Where your Macro is Recorded

# Record Practical Macros

# How to Run Macros

6
How to Record a Macro
1 Do a test run before you press record

2 a)
b)
Click on the record macro button at the bottom left-hand side
Use shortcut key Alt + T + M + R
c) Go to Developer tab – Record macro
d) Go to View tab – Record macro

3 Name your Macro, assign a shortcut key & decide where to store it
(workbook or personal macro workbook)

4 Run through the steps the macro needs to do

5 Stop the macro

7
 Insert Procedures,
Switch to Activate Editing options from

Visual
Modules & Userforms
Excel View / Toolbars / Edit
from Insert menu

Basic Run & Stop code here

during testing

Editor
Code is written here

(VBE)
Workbooks, Sheets
& VBA code view

Macros are written in

Modules
1. Alt + F11
2. Developer tab /
Visual Basic Switch views here
3. View / Macros / (single or many
View Macros, procedures)
then Edit Activate Properties
4. Right-mouse Window from View /
click on sheet / Properties Window
View Code Immediate Window is good for
code testing and debugging.
Activate through View /
Immediate Window 8
7 Ways to run Macros (VBA Code)
1 Use shortcut key Alt + F8 to get to view macro and then select your macro and run

2 a) Go to Tab Developer / Macros

b) Go to Tab View / Macros

3 Use the shortcut key you assigned

4 Add the Macro to the Quick Access Toolbar (For active workbook only)

5 Add the Macro to the Ribbon – Recommended for “general” macros that are saved in the
personal macro workbook

6 Insert any shape or image and assign the macro to it (Right-mouse click, Assign Macro)

7 Insert a Form Control button from Developer tab, Insert, Form Controls 9
Change in Comments to Notes
Working with comments & notes
In Office 365 “comments” have been renamed to “notes”.
VBA syntax has not changed except we have new syntax for the new comments feature.

Note: If you have Office 365 and you are

following along with the lectures, when you see
a comment being added to Excel, please add a
“note”. VBA syntax has remained unchanged.

The new comments are called threaded

comments because you can reply to them.
They have a new VBA syntax called
CommentThreaded.

10
The Object Model
Visual Basic Essential: Understanding the “dot” in code

# Color Guidelines & Keyboard Shortcuts

# What the Object Model is

# Object Properties & Methods

# How to find the Correct Syntax (property or method)

11
Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
Working with VBA (Macro) code

# Writing VBA Code (Macros) = Manipulating objects on the screen

# These objects have code words so you can easily refer to them

# These code words are kept in the reference library

Excel VBA code, generally uses a mix of VBA &

Excel Object libraries

To control other applications from Excel, a good

option is to activate the reference to that
application’s object library by going to Tools /
References

12
VB Basics & Color Guidelines
Most used VBA Procedure is the Sub Procedure
This consists of a set of commands the code should execute

Function Procedures are commands that create formulas

They return one value (or an array of values)
They can be used as “normal” formulas in Excel or inside other
procedures
VBA assigns color to keywords and capitalizes code references

Wrong use of code is shown as red

Comments are shown as green

13
VBE Keyboard Shortcuts
Description Key
Indent Code Tab
Remove Indent from Code Shift + Tab

Complete word Ctrl + Space

Open object browser F2

Open Code window F7
Display properties window F4
Open online help F1

Run project F5

Step into code F8

Toggle breakpoint F9

Clear all breakpoints Ctrl + Shift + F9

14
The Object Model
# VBA is Object Oriented.
Before you perform any actions you need to specify what object to perform on

# VBA Syntax is Object First - then action

# Objects can have relationships to other objects

This relationship is called the object hierarchy

Home “Object” is a District “Object” The City “Object”

part of the District Includes a collection of Includes a collection of
collection Houses Districts

Home
District
City
15
 Excel’s Object Model
Application

Workbooks (Workbook)

Worksheets (Worksheet)

Range
Examples
Application.Workbooks(“Name”).Worksheets(“WSName”).Range(“A1”)
Application.ThisWorkbook.Worksheets(“WSName”).Range(“A1”)
Worksheets(“WSName”).Range(“A1”) assumes active workbook

Range(“A1”) assumes active worksheet

ActiveCell assumes the cell that is marked in the active worksheet 16
 Properties in VBA
Property is what an object has
An Analogy

Examples of Property Examples of Property

1. Color 1. Color
2. Size 2. Size
3. Type 3. Gender
4. Engine 4. Material
5. Age 5. Season
6. ….. 6. …..

Properties come after the object hierarchy

Car.Color – might be too broad Shoe.Gender = Male

Car.Interior.Color = Black Shoe.Heel.Material = ?

17
 Property Details
Some Properties don’t have details
Range(“A1”).Address Range(“A1”).Value

Some Properties return an object

Range(“A2”).Interior.Color Range(“A2”).Font.Color

18
Property Type: Read-only or Write?
Range(“A10”).Address Read-only

Range(“A1”).Value Read & Write

Range(“A1”).Interior.Color Range(“A2”).Font.Color Read & Write

Examples

Range(“A1”).Value = ActiveCell.Address

Range(“A1”).Interior.Color = vbRed

Range(“A1”).Font.Color = vbBlue

19
 Methods in VBA
Method is what an object does
An Analogy

Examples of Method Examples of Method

1. Start 1. PutOn
2. Stop 2. TakeOff
3. Crash

Methods can have additional information

How to start the car? Quickly or slowly?
Car.Stop Quickly
Car.Stop StopStyle:=Quickly

Methods can change properties

The “Crash” method would change the size property of the car

20
Methods Can Have Arguments
Range(“A2”).Clear No further arguments

Range(“A2”).Delete 1 optional argument (Shift)

Sheet1.Copy 2 optional arguments (Before, After) which are optional but

exclusive

Examples
Range("A2").Delete xlShiftToLeft

Range("A3").Copy Range("B3")

Range("C3").PasteSpecial xlPasteValues

Sheet1.Copy After:=Sheet3

Sheet1.Copy , Sheet2 21
Find the Correct Property & Method
It’s impossible to remember everything…

Use the Macro Recorder to get object names, properties and methods

Use the Object Library (F2)

F1 Press F1 when on an object, property or method to get help for the MSDN
Microsoft Help Site

Use IntelliSense – Let VBA suggest the right properties & methods. Check options
from Tools / Options

Use complete word to get suggestions (Ctrl + Space)

Use the Immediate Window to query (e.g. color codes) or test code

Search the internet & online forums

22
Key Takeaways: Object Model
1 You refer to an object through its position in the object hierarchy. The dot is used as a
separator. If you do not specify the parent, Excel assumes it’s the active object.

2 You don’t need to select objects to manipulate them. The macro recorder “selects” but to
write code, it’s more efficient not to refer directly to objects & properties (exceptions
apply).
3 Objects have specific properties & methods.

Properties can return a reference to another object. For example

4 Range(“A2”).Interior.Color: The interior property returns an interior object which has the
color property.
5 Macro and VBA code is kept inside Sub Procedures (for functions it’s Function Procedures).

6 To find the correct object, property or method you can record macros, use the object library
(F2), use MSDN help (F1), Intellisense, internet & immediate window to query and test code.

23
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
24
Referencing Ranges,
Worksheets & Workbooks
Visual Basic Essential: How to work with cells, sheets & workbooks

# Methods to Write to One or More Cells

# Most Useful Range Properties & Methods

# Finding the Last Row or the Used Region

# Referencing Worksheets & Workbooks Correctly

25
 Different Methods to Write to Cells
Using Rows, Columns & Range referencing

Range("A1").Value = "1st" ActiveCell.Value = "1st" Cells(1, 1).Value = "1st"

Range("A2:C2").Value = "2nd"
Range("A3:C3,E3:F3").Value = "3rd"

Range("A4,C4") = "4th"
Range("A5", "C5") = "5th"

Range("A" & 6, "C" & 6) = "6th" Range(Cells(6, 1), Cells(6, 3)).Value = "6th"
Range("A4:C7").Cells(4, 2).Value = "7th"

Range("A1").Offset(7, 2).Value = "8th" Cells(1,1).Offset(7, 2).Value = "8th"

Range("A1:B1").Offset(8, 1).Value = "9th"

Range("LastOne").Value = "10th" Cell A10 is called “LastOne” in Name Manager
26
Referencing Entire Rows / Columns
Using Range, Cells & Offset referencing

Rows("12:14").RowHeight = 30 Rows 12, 13 & 14 have a row height of 30

Range("16:16,18:18,20:20").RowHeight = 30 Rows 16, 18 & 20 are changed. 17 & 19 are not touched.
Columns("E:F").ColumnWidth = 10 Columns E to F have a column width of 10
Range("H:H,J:J").ColumnWidth = 10 Columns H & J are changed. Column I is not touched.
Range(Columns(1), Columns(3)).ColumnWidth = 5 Columns A, B & C have column width of 5
Cells.Columns.AutoFit All columns are adjusted by autofit

27
 Code Execution Description (Click here for more) Type
Value Show the underlying value in a cell. This is the default property of the range object. Read / Write
Cells Returns a cell or range of cells within a range object Read / Write

Most End Returns the last cell of the range. Similar to Ctrl + ↓ or ↑ or → or ← Read-only
Offset Returns a new range based on offset row & column arguments Read / Write
Useful Count Returns the number of cells in a range. Read-only

Range Column / Row Returns the column / row number of a range. If you select more than one cell, column /
row returns the first occurrence in the range.
Read-only

Properties CurrentRegion Used with other properties such as .address returns the range of data Read-only
EntireColumn / Returns a range object that represents the entire row or column Read-only
EntireRow
As found in my
Resize Changes the size of the range by defining the rows & columns for resizing
projects
Address Shows the range address including the $ signs. Read-only
Font Returns a font object that has other properties (e.g. bold) Read / Write
Interior Used with other properties such as .Color property to set colors Read / Write
Formula Places a formula in a cell. To make sure your VBA code is compatible with other Read / Write
languages of Excel, your VBA formulas should use the English syntax. You can record
these with the macro recorder. The macro recorder uses FormulaR1C1 syntax. If
you’d like to have formulas in your language of Excel, you need to use FormulaLocal.
NumberFormat Define Number format (uses English version) Read / Write
Text Returns the data as string & includes formatting. Read-only
HasFormula Returns True, False or Null if the range has a mix Read-only
28
 Code Execution Description (Click here for more) Type
Copy This is a practical method because it has paste destination as its
argument. This means you just need one line of code.

Most Useful PasteSpecial Allows usage of Excel’s Paste Special options. To use more than one
option, repeat the line of code with the new option.
Clear Deletes contents and cell formatting in a specified range.
Range
Delete Delete the cells and shifts the cell around the area to fill up the
Methods deleted range. The delete method uses an argument to define how to
shift the cells. Select XLToLeft or XLUp.
SpecialCells Returns a range that matches the specified cell types. This method
As found in my has 2 arguments. XlCellType is required (such as cells with formulas or
projects comments) and an optional argument to define more detail if constant
and formula cell type is used in the first argument.
Sort Sorts a range of values
PrintOut Also a method of the worksheet object

Select Used by the macro recorder to select a cell but when writing VBA, it is
not necessary to select objects. Code is faster without selecting.

29
4 Methods to Find the Last Row
In these examples the results are written to a cell. Later we will store these in variables.

1 Use the End Property of the Range Object

Range("K6").Value = Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
‘or
Range("K6").Value = Range(“A4”).End(xlDown).Row
‘Example for last column
Range("K8").Value = Cells(4, Columns.Count).End(xlToLeft).Column

2 Use the CurrentRegion Property of the Range Object

Range("K10").Value = Range("A4").CurrentRegion.Rows.Count

3 Use the SpecialCells Method of the Range Object

Range("K11").Value = Cells.SpecialCells(xlCellTypeLastCell).Row

4 Use the UsedRange Property of the Worksheet Object

Range("K12").Value = Application.ActiveSheet.UsedRange.Rows.Count
30
Copy & Resize Variably Sized Ranges
Copy & PasteSpecial Methods

Copy method for a variable sized range

Range("A4").CurrentRegion.Copy Range("J4")
Or for a fixed range:
Range("A4:E10").Copy Range("J4")

PasteSpecial method to use Excel’s Paste Special options

Range("A4").CurrentRegion.Copy
Range("J20").PasteSpecial xlPasteValuesAndNumberFormats
‘to add more paste special options add a new line
Range("J20").PasteSpecial xlPasteComments

Use the Resize property to return a changed range

Range("A4").CurrentRegion.Offset(1, 0)
_.Resize(Range("A4").CurrentRegion.Rows.Count - 1).Copy Range("A20")

31
How to Best Reference Worksheets
Use the code name of the sheet (give your own code name in the property window)
shDest.Range("A3").Value

2 advantages
• User can be free to change the tab name
• IntelliSense works perfectly with code names (doesn’t work with ActiveSheet
because ActiveSheet could also be a chart sheet…)

Use the Worksheets collection and refer to the tab by name

Worksheets("Destination").Range("A3").Value

Use the index number of the worksheet (can be risky)

Worksheets(6).Range("A3").Value

ActiveSheet .Range("A3").Value

32
How to Best Reference Workbooks
Required if more Workbooks need to be referenced

ThisWorkBook (to reference the current workbook where macro is written)

Use the Workbooks collection and use the name of the workbook. The
workbook needs to be open, otherwise you need to use the Open statement first.
Workbooks (“YourWorkBookName.xlsx”)

ActiveWorkBook
Make sure the correct workbook is active

Workbooks (1)
The following is risky as it depends on the order the workbooks have been
opened

33
Key Takeaways: Referencing Ranges
1 Different methods to reference cells
Use Range(“A1”) style to reference a single cell.
Range(“A1”, “C1”) or Range (“A1:C1”) for many cells.
Use the Cells or Offset property

2 Different methods to find the last row

Range("K6").Value = Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
Range("K10").Value = Range("A4").CurrentRegion.Rows.Count
Range("K11").Value = Cells.SpecialCells(xlCellTypeLastCell).Row

3 Copy a variably sized range with the CurrentRegion Property

Use the Code Name of the WorkSheets to reference worksheets – alternatively use the
4 worksheet names

5 Use ThisWorkBook property to reference the workbook the macro is in. For other
Workbooks use the workbooks collection.
34
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
35
Understanding Variables &
Data Types
Visual Basic Essential: Working with Variables

# What are Variables and Why Use Them

# Data Types & Best Practice

# Working with Object Variables

# Re-using Variables in Other Procedures

36
Role of Assignment
This is an assignment statement:
Range("A1").Value = Date

This is also an assignment statement:

Range("A1").Value = Range("A1").Value + 1

Equal sign does not mean equality here. It’s used to assign the result of the
right-hand side to the left-hand side.

Variables help memorize the value on the right-hand side for you, and allow you
to re-use them in your code.

37
What are Variables?
# Variables are nick-names that store a value
myTitle = Range(“A1”).value
# Names are assigned with the equal sign

Why use Variables?

# Variables make your code easy to read

# Variables simplify code maintenance and allow for complex coding

If you change the title to cell “B1”, you just have to update the
myTitle = Range(“A1”).value myTitle reference once in the code instead of every single place the
reference to “A1” is made.
38
 Data Types for Variables
Variables can accommodate different data types

Data Type Memory used Range

Byte 1 byte 0 to 255
Integer 2 bytes -32,768 to 32,768
Long 4 bytes -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647
Boolean 2 bytes True / False
Double 8 bytes Very large negative to positive range with high
precision (also used for %)
String 1 byte per char Depends on length
Object 4 bytes Any object
Date 8 bytes 01,1,0100 to 12,31,9999
Currency 8 bytes Very large negative to positive range up to 4 decimal
places
Variant 16 bytes (more with Any value – can also hold values such as “Empty”,
characters) “Nothing” and “Null”
39
Declaring Variables, Arrays & Constants
…& the role of Option Explicit

1 Declaring variables by defining a suitable data type has the outcome:

1. Your code will run faster
2. Your code will be less prone to mistakes
Dim myText As String Dim LastRow As Long, FirstRow as Long

2 A group of similar variables that has one name can be declared as an Array
Dim myMonth(1 To 12) As String

3 If you need to refer to a value that never changes, you can use Constants
Const myScenario As String = “Actual” Const ProfitCen As Long = 9999

Use Option Explicit (to minimize mistakes)

In VBE, add a check-mark: Tools / Options / Require Variable Declaration

40
Using Object Variables
Set Statement in VBA

# Variables can also hold objects. Common objects are:

1. Workbook Object Dim NewBook As Workbook
2. Worksheet Object Dim NewSheet As Worksheet
3. Range Object Dim NewRange As Range

# To assign variables to objects, you need to use the SET statement

Set NewBook = Workbooks.Add

All “usual” VBA assignments are actually done with the LET statement. However
this is an optional keyword. That’s why it’s usually not used. In case you come
across it, you know what it does.
LastRow = Rows.Count– is the same as:
Let LastRow = Rows.Count

41
Variable Scope
Is the variable reusable in other procedures?

Procedure: Variables exists only when the Sub Defining_Variables ()

Dim LastRow As Long, FirstRow as Long
procedure runs. Dim is inside the procedure. ‘---code
Memory is freed after procedure ends. End Sub

Module: Variable exists for ALL Procedures within Option Explicit

the Module. Dim is outside any procedure. Dim LastRow As Long, FirstRow as Long
Typically right below Option Explicit. Value is kept Sub Defining_Variables ()
in memory after procedure completes. ‘---code
End Sub

All Modules & Procedures: Variable exists for

Option Explicit
ALL Modules and ALL Procedures. Use the Public LastRow As Long, FirstRow as Long
keyword “Public” to declare these variables. Can
Sub Defining_Variables ()
be declared in any Module before the first ‘---code
procedure. Value is kept in memory after End Sub
procedure completes.
42
Key Takeaways: Variables & Data Types
1 Use Option Explicit (to minimize mistakes)
In VBE, add a check-mark: Tools / Options / Require Variable Declaration

2 Pick the data type which uses the least bytes but can still handle the data you want to
store in memory for example
Byte: worksheet numbers, months, column headers (smaller data sets)
Long: To loop through rows
Integer: to loop through smaller data sets – e.g. master data
Double: Decimals, very large numbers and numbers where precision is required

3 Think about the scope of your variables. Procedure, Module or Project? Declare these
accordingly.
Use the SET statement to assign variables to objects. Data type assignments do not need a
4 statement but they could use the optional keyword “LET”.

43
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
44
Looping Through Collections
& Making Decisions
A VBA Essential for Efficient Macros

# With…End With Constructs for Easier Coding

# Looping Through Collections, i.e. sheets, cells in One Go

# Making Decisions with IF & Select Case Constructs

# Change the Program Flow with GoTo Statements

45
With…End With for Easier coding
The benefits of the With…End With construct are:
Faster code writing
Easier code maintenance
Faster code execution The less dots you have, the
faster your code will run.
Before
Set myRange = Range("A10", "A" & Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row)
myRange.Font .Name = “Arial”
myRange.Font.Size = 12
myRange.Font.Bold = True

After
Set myRange = Range("A10", "A" & Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row)
With myRange.Font
.Name = “Arial”
.Size = 12
.Bold = True
End With

46
For…Each to Loop Through Collections
Looping through Worksheets, Ranges etc. in One Go

VBA provides an easy method to loop through a collection of similar objects. For example:
Execute code for all Worksheets in a Workbook
Follow instructions for all Cells inside a Range
Run code for each Comment inside the Worksheet Comments collection

Dim Sh As Worksheet
For Each Sh In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
Sh.Protect "test“
Next Sh

Dim cell As Range

For Each cell In ActiveSheet.UsedRange
‘[Instructions – you can use IF here to check whether a condition
‘ is met – also to exclude parts of the collection]
Next cell

47
IF…Then Statements for Conditional Outcomes
Decide which way your code should run

○ Similar to Excel formulas, you can use IF…Then in VBA

?
○ You can handle as many conditions as you see fit
TRUE FALSE
○ You can also use AND, OR statements
?

IF…Then…ElseIf…Else
Dim Sh As Worksheet
For Each Sh In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
Simple IF: 1 Line If Sh.Name = "Purpose" Then
If Range("B3").Value <> "" Then Range("C3").Value = Range("B3").Value 'don't allow formatting etc...
Sh.Protect " test"
ElseIf Sh.CodeName = "shWith" Then
'protect without password
Simple IF: More Lines Sh.Protect
Else
If Range("B3").Value <> "" Then
'allow formatting for all other sheets
Range("C3").Value = Range("B3").Value
Sh.Protect "test", , , , , True, True, True
End If
End If
Next Sh
48
Select Case, as Alternative for Many IFs
In case your IF..Then construct gets too complex

Select Case is a good alternative to IF…ElseIf…Else Constructs:

You have a better overview
Easier code maintenance
Faster code execution. VBA leaves the Select
Case construct the moment it arrives at a TRUE.
Place the likely cases at the top of the code.

Select Case Range("B3").Value

Case 1 To 200
Range("C3").Value = "Good" To select different specific values, you
Case 0 can also write:
Range("C3").Value = ""
Case Is > 200 Case 1,3,7
Range("C3").Value = "Excellent"
Case Else
Range("C3").Value = "Bad"
End Select

49
Goto Statement to Change Program Flow
You can skip code lines with the Goto Statement. Why would you want this?
Mainly for error handling
Execute a different part of code depending on a condition

To use GoTo
Type the name of the label with colon (or number without colon)
You might need to Exit sub before the label if you have a message
box or another VBA statement

Sub Simple_GoTo ()
Range("D3").Value = ""
If IsError(Range("B3")) Then GoTo GetOut Use this mainly for Error
Range("C3").Value = Range("B3").Value
Exit Sub Handling. Otherwise your code
GetOut: can become too confusing to
Range("D3").Value = "You have an error in the cell“
End Sub understand.

50
Key Takeaways: Collections & Decisions
1 Use With … End With Construct
To optimize code writing and execution

2 Use For…Each Loop

To loop through members of a collection.

3 Use Select Case Statement once IF gets too Complex

Put the most likely cases on top

4 Use GoTo Statement to Jump to Different Sections of Code

Use labels to put “bookmarks” in part of code, such as “Leave:” then use GoTo Leave to
jump to that section of code.

51
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
52
Useful Built-in Functions
Become familiar with common VBA & Worksheet Functions

# Most Useful VBA Functions

# Display a Message Box (also with Yes, No buttons)

# Display an Input Box (VBA InputBox function)

# Input Box that Selects Ranges (Excel InputBox method)

53
VBA & Worksheet Functions
Similar to worksheet formulas…

VBA has built-in functions to help you run calculations.

# Excel has built-in worksheet functions to help you with your calculations.

VBA Functions: To see a list of all functions, type

# VBA followed by “.”
Excel
ABS ()
VBA Equivalent
Abs function
ISBLANK () ISEMPTY function
Worksheet Functions: To see a list of all functions,
# type Excel or Application followed by “.”
LEN ()
LOWER ()
LEN function
LCASE function
RAND () RND function
TODAY () DATE function
TYPE () TYPENAME function
If VBA has an equivalent function to Excel, only
UPPER () UCASE function
the VBA function is available for use!

54
 Text handling Description
InStr Returns the position of one string within another

LCase Converts string to lowercase

Left Returns the left hand side of a string based on specified number of characters

Useful VBA Len Returns the number of characters in a string

Mid Returns a specified number of characters from a string

Functions Replace Returns a string and replaces a subset of the string with another string

Right Returns the right hand side of a string based on specified number of characters
Text Handling
(String manipulation) Space Returns a string the contains spaces

StrConv returns a string converted to uppercase, lowercase, proper case or Unicode.

Trim Returns a string without leading or trailing spaces

UCase Converts string to uppercase

Constants Description
VbNewLine Creates a new line in message box

VbNullString Returns a zero length string

VbTab Adds a tab space in message box

55
 Date handling Description
Date Returns the current date
Day Returns the day of the month of a date
Hour Returns the hour of a time value

Useful VBA IsDate Returns true if variable is a Date type

Functions
Minute Returns the minute of a time value
Month Returns the month of a date
MonthName Returns a string for the month of a date (abbreviation possible)
Date Handling
Now Returns the current date and time
Second Returns the seconds portion of time
Time Returns the current system time
Timer Returns the number of seconds since midnight (good for adding a timer
in code)
Weekday Returns a number for the day of the week
WeekdayName Returns a string for the day of the week
Year Returns the year of a date

56
 Formatting & Converting Description
CDate Converts expression to Date data type

CInt Converts expression to Integer data type

CLng Converts expression to Long data type

Useful VBA CStr Converts expression to String data type

Functions Format

Str
Shows an expression in the desired format

Returns a string from a number

Formatting, Val Returns a number (double) from a string

Converting & Number handling Description
Number Handling Abs Absolute value of a number

FormatNumber Formats an expression as number

FormatPercent Formats an expression as percentage

IsNumeric Returns True if a cell or value is numeric

Round Rounds a number

57
 Text files & Dir Description
CurDir Returns the current path

Dir Returns the name of the file or directory

EOF Equals True if end of text file is reached

Useful VBA FileDateTime

FileLen
Date and time when a file was last modified

Number of bytes in a file

Functions FreeFile Returns the next available file number for text files

Other useful functions Description

Text Files & Other
DoEvents Control is given back to the operating system to process other events
Useful Functions
InputBox Displays a dialog box for user to input

IsEmpty Returns True if a cell is blank or a variable hasn’t been initialized

LBound Returns the smallest value in an array

MsgBox Displays a dialog box

RGB Returns a number that reflects the RGB color

TypeName Returns a string that specifies the data type of a variable

UBound Returns the largest element of an array

58
VBA’s MsgBox Function
Easily create info dialog boxes to communicate with the user
& get simple responses such as Ok, Yes, No or Cancel.

The message box is a function, i.e. your macro is paused until the
user provides a response.

You can use the MsgBox function by itself (don’t use brackets) if you don’t need a
response from the user. If you need a response, the message box will return a result
which you can capture in a variable (use brackets).

MsgBox "Hello " & Excel.Application.UserName, , "Welcome!"

Dim Answer As VbMsgBoxResult

Answer = MsgBox("Are you sure about this?", vbYesNo + vbQuestion + vbDefaultButton2, "Clear cells")
If Answer = vbYes Then
Range("A7:B9").Clear
Else Tip: use + to add
more constants
Exit Sub
(symbols, buttons…)
End If
59
VBA’s InputBox Function
Easily create input dialog boxes to capture user input.

Input Box always returns a string. If you write the result of the input box to a cell,
Excel will automatically convert the answer to the correct type. For example if you
input a number, it will be recognized as a number in the cell.

If you’d like to use the answer in your code, and the answer should be a number,
you need to convert it to a number with a conversion function. For example the Val
function. To validate if the input is a number, you can use IsNumeric function

Dim myInp As String

myInp = VBA.InputBox("Please input subtitle", "Subtitle please...")

If myInp = "" Then Exit Sub

Range("A2").Value = Excel.WorksheetFunction.Proper(myInp)

60
Excel’s InputBox Method
3 benefits of using the Input Box Method

1 You can specify the data type for input (not restricted to string)

2 Excel performs a validation automatically Code Description

0 Formula

3 You can select ranges

1 Number
2 String
CName = VBA.InputBox _ 4 Boolean
("Please input new Customer Name", "Customer Master") 8 Range
16 Error value

Set cRange = Application.InputBox _ 64 Array of values

("Count the number of cells with values", "Cells with values", , , , , , 8) 1+2 = 3 Number + String

61
Key Takeaways: Built-in Functions
1 Review the List for Useful VBA Functions
Take some time and review the list and test some of the functions you think could come in
handy for your projects.

2 MsgBox Function
Use the message box to inform the user or get a “Yes”, “No” answer from them.
You can also use the message box for debugging your code.

3 VBA InputBox Function

VBA’s Input box function is a quick way to allow the user to interact with your code. If
you’d like to add some basic validation checks – i.e. for numbers or text, use Excel’s
InputBox method instead.
Excel’s InputBox Method
4 Excel offers its own version of the input box. It has the additional feature of allowing the
user to select a range or do basic validation checks.

62
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
63
Debugging, Error Handling &
Procedure Scope
For Faster & Efficient Macros

# Methods to Debug Code

# How to Handle Errors

# Writing Code that’s Faster & Efficient

# Procedures Scope & Passing Arguments

64
Methods to Debug Your
To help you Pinpoint Errors… in addition to the MsgBox
Code
1 F8 or select Debug from the menu and then Step Into.

2 Add breakpoints with F9 or Debug menu / Toggle Breakpoint. You can play the code
until a certain place and then you can step in with F8. Add as many as you need.

3 Hover your mouse on a variable to see its result.

Use the Immediate Window. Type “Debug.Print” followed by your variable name in
4 the code. This writes the result to the immediate window. You can also type in code
directly in this window. Use the “?” to get the answer. Activate it from the View tab.

5 Use the Locals Window to see the value and characteristics associated with each
variable. Activate it from the View tab.

6 Use the Watch window to keep your eye on certain variables. Right-mouse click on a
variable or statement and “add to watch”. Alternatively drag to the window. You can
change the variable property directly by typing it in. Activate watch from the View
tab. 65
Error Handling: Different Methods
Common error handling examples

1 Sub Jump_to_End()
2 Sub Resume_Then_Normal() 3 Sub Handle_Based_on_Error_Type()
On Error GoTo Leave On Error GoTo ErrorHandle
On Error Resume Next
[code instructions]
[code instructions]
[code instructions]
Exit Sub
Leave:
On Error GoTo 0
End Sub ErrorHandle:
[code instructions] Select Case Err.Number
Case 424
Uses a label to jump End Sub Exit Sub
to the end of the code Case Else
MsgBox "An error has occurred."
the moment an error Suppresses certain End Select
occurs. errors and then resumes End Sub
normal error handling
for the remaining More detailed error handing
instructions. by type. Add “Exit sub” to
leave the macro if error-free.
66
Faster & Efficient
Suppressing Pop-ups & flickering screen
VBA Code
Suppress
With Application
• Use the Status bar to let the user know the macro is
.StatusBar = "Wait“ running
.ScreenUpdating = False • Screen flickering
.Calculation = xlCalculationManual
• Formula calculations
.DisplayAlerts = False
• Excel alerts – for example when deleting worksheets or
End With
closing a workbook.

Restore
With Application
Use this block of code when writing to
.ScreenUpdating = True
cells, working with different
.Calculation = xlCalculationAutomatic
worksheets or workbooks & other
.DisplayAlerts = True
.CutCopyMode = False (In case you used
longer tasks.
PasteSpecial)
.StatusBar = ""

End With 67
Procedure Scope & Passing Arguments
Procedures are Public by Default.
Private Procedures are accessible to other procedures in the same module. They
are also not shown in the Macro list.
To execute one procedure from another procedure you can use the optional keyword CALL.
If Procedures have arguments you need brackets if you use the CALL keyword.
Call myCalc (i, c)
MyCalc i, c

ByRef is the default way of passing arguments

(passes the variable itself). Variable’s value could Sub GetMyValue()
[Instructions]
change once it’s back. E.g. Sub myCalc(ByRef GetValue,
Call myCalc(myValue, p)
myPercent) End Sub
ByVal only processes a copy of the variable and
does not change the variable’s value. Variable keeps Private Sub myCalc(GetValue, myPercent)
it’s value once it’s back. GetValue = GetValue * myPercent
E.g. Sub myCalc(ByVal GetValue, myPercent) End Sub

68
Key Takeaways: Debug & Handle Errors
1 Keep the Debug Options List Handy
You might prefer one way over another when debugging. I personally prefer to use F8 to
step through the code → the immediate window for testing results and for more complex
checks → the watch window. I use the Locals window for testing Arrays.

2 Error Handling
Implement some type error handling if you are planning to share your tool with others. Try
to catch what you can from your side but allow others to test your code and provide
feedback.
3 Suppressing Certain Events
For longer codes make sure you suppress screen updating or display of alerts. This
makes your code run smoother and faster.

4 Procedure Scope
Procedures are Public by default. Sub Procedures that are declared as Private do not show
up in the Macros dialog box. They can be used inside Public Sub procedures.
69
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
70
CONGRATULATIONS
You’ve completed the first major milestone of
the course!
I hope you’ve learnt new techniques which you can
apply to your projects and I hope you’re enjoying
the process as much as I am!

71
Looping in VBA
Controlling the Flow of Code

# For…Next Counter Loops

# Do Until / Do While Loop

# Find Method for Quicker Results

# Time your Code (to pick the faster version)

72
For Next Counter Loops
Simple Looping construct that’s based on a counter.
Exit For statement leaves the loop.

Sub Simple_For()
Dim i As Long
Dim myValue As Double
LastRow = ActiveSheet.UsedRange.Cells(ActiveSheet.UsedRange.Rows.Count, 1).Row
For i = 4 To LastRow
myValue = Range("F" & i).Value Sub Delete_Hidden_Filtered_Rows()
If myValue > 400 Then Range("F" & i).Value = myValue + 10 Dim r As Long
If myValue < 0 Then Exit For With ActiveSheet
Next i LastRow = .UsedRange.Cells(.UsedRange.Rows.Count, 1).Row
End Sub For r = LastRow To 4 Step -1
If .Rows(r).Hidden = True Then
.Range("H" & r) = "X"
' .Rows(r).Delete
End If
Next r
End With
End Sub
73
Do…Until / Do…While Loop
Do…While Loop runs as long as a specified condition is met
Do…Until Loop runs until a specified condition is met
Exit Do command leaves the loop immediately
You can also use Do…Loop
(without While or Until)
Sub Simple_Do_Until_V1()
Startcell = 8
Do Until ActiveSheet.Range("A" & Startcell).Value = "" While Wend is similar to Do loop
Range("B" & Startcell).Value = Range("A" & Startcell).Value + 10 and is still included in VBA for
Startcell = Startcell + 1 compatibility purposes.
Loop
End Sub

Sub Simple_Do_While() Sub Input_Number_Only()

Startcell = 8 Dim myAnswer As String
Do While ActiveSheet.Range("A" & Startcell).Value <> "" Do While IsNumeric(myAnswer) = False
Range("C" & Startcell).Value = Range("A" & Startcell).Value + 10 myAnswer = VBA.InputBox("Please input Quantity")
Startcell = Startcell + 1 If IsNumeric(myAnswer) Then MsgBox "Well Done!"
Loop Loop
End Sub End Sub

74
Find Method for Quicker Results
FIND method provides a quick way to find the answer without Looping

From MSDN.Microsoft.com
FIND with DO LOOP for Many Matches
Sub Many_Finds()
Dim CompID As Range, FirstMatch As Variant, i As Long
Dim Range("D3:D6").ClearContents
i=3
Set CompID = Range("A:A").Find(What:=Range("B3").Value, _
LookIn:=xlValues, LookAt:=xlWhole)
If Not CompID Is Nothing Then
Range("D" & i).Value = CompID.Offset(, 4).Value
FirstMatch = CompID.Address
Do
Set CompID = Range("A:A").FindNext(After:=CompID)
If CompID.Address = FirstMatch Then Exit Do
i=i+1
Range("D" & i).Value = CompID.Offset(, 4).Value
Loop
End If
End Sub
75
Add a Timer to Test & Speech to Inform
Adding a timer (VBA function) helps you test different versions of code for the same
task
Dim Start 1. Write your code
Start = Timer 'seconds since midnight 2. Add a Timer
3. Comment out the current code
[code instructions] 4. Write new code and test
5. Use the code version that runs fastest
Debug.Print Timer - Start 6. Remove the Timer or comment out

Allowing your computer to “speak” is a good way of informing the user that a long
procedure is now completed. Speakers should be turned on.

[code instructions]
Application.Speech.Speak "Job Done!"
End Sub

76
 General Description
Const Declare a constant

Dim Declares variables

End Exits program – also ends procedures, with statements, etc.

Useful VBA Function Declare a function procedure

Statements Kill Deletes a file

Let Assigns a variable to an expression (is optional - can be omitted)

Common Like Returns True if one string can be matched with another
Statements
Load Loads an object (like a userform) but doesn’t show it

Mid Replaces characters in a string with other characters

Option Explicit Forces variable declaration

Public Declares a variable to be used in all procedures

ReDim Change the dimension of the array

Set Assign an object to a variable

Sub Declares the name of the sub procedure

77
 Code Execution Description
Call Go to another procedure

Do Until – Loop Loops through instructions until a condition becomes true

Do While – Loop Loops through instructions while a condition is true

Useful VBA Exit Do Exit Do-Loop code

Exit For Exit For-Next loop

Statements Exit Sub Exit subroutine

Controlling code For – Each -Next Loops through a collection

execution For - Next Loops through instructions for a specified number of times

GoTo Jump to a specific place in the code

If – Then - Else Check for conditions

On Error Give specific instructions for the case when an error occurs

Resume Resumes code execution

Select Case – End Select Check for conditions

While - Wend Loops through instructions as long as a condition is true (included for
compatibility purposes)
78
 Text file & Dir Description
Close Close a text file

Get Read data from a text file

Useful VBA Input # Read data from a text file

Statements Line Input # Reads a line of data from text file

MkDir Creates a new directory

Text files &
Name Renames a file or directory
Directories
Print # Writes data to a text file

Open Opens a Text file

Write # Writes data to a text file

79
Key Takeaways: LOOPING IN VBA
1 For … Next Counter Loop
Very powerful and flexible way of looping through cells. It’s safer to use than the Do loop:
The loop only runs for a specific number of times depending on the lower and upper
values of the control variable.

2 Do Loop
Variations include Do…Until, Do…While and just Do (with a check for a condition when the
loop can be exited). These come in handy when you don’t know the number of times the
loop should run. Tip → Use F8 first before running the code to make sure it works properly.

3 Find Method
Find method can be faster than the For…Next and Do Loop methods when looking for
one or many matches.
Use a Timer & Speech to Inform
4 Use VBA’s Timer function to test different variations of code, in case you aren’t sure which
one is more efficient. Speech.Speak method is a good way of vocally informing the user the
macro has finished running.
80
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
81
Working with Arrays
For Faster Procedures

# One Dimensional Fixed Arrays

# Working with Dynamic Arrays (& preserving values)

# Two Dimensional Arrays

# Variant Arrays

82
How to Declare & Fill Arrays
Fill a 1 Dimensional Array
Dim MonthArray(1 To 12) As String
Declaring VBA Code Dim i As Byte
Arrays 'Fill up the month array
Declaring a Fixed Dim MonthArray(1 To 12) As For i = 1 To 12
Array String MonthArray(i) = Range("mymonths").Cells(i, 1).Value
Declaring a Dim MonthArray() As String Next i
Dynamic Array
Declaring a two Dim MonthInfo(1 To 12, 1 To 2) As
Dimensional Fixed Variant
Fill a 2 Dimensional Array
Array Dim MonthInfo(1 To 12, 1 To 2) As Variant
Referring to the LBound(MonthArray) Dim r As Long
Lowest / Highest UBound(MonthArray) Dim c As Long
Index in the array
'fill the rows
Define the size of ReDim MonthArray(1 To Cnt)
the dynamic array
For r = 1 To 12
'fill the columns
Keep the existing ReDim Preserve Cust(1 To 3)
values inside the For c = 1 To 2
array MonthInfo(r, c) = Cells(r + 4, c).Value
Next c
Next r
83
Working with Variant Arrays
• Similar to working with arrays in Excel
• Keep values of many cells inside one variable (compartment)
• Manipulate the members of this variable
• Write back to the range in one go
Example of Variant Array
Sub Write_to_Variant_Array()
'notice brackets are not required for variant arrays
Dim QuantityValue As Variant
Dim r As Long
'QuantityTbl is a range of cells defined in name manager
Looping inside QuantityValue = Range("QuantityTbl").Value
arrays is faster than For r = 1 To UBound(QuantityValue, 1)
looping in the cells. 'Add 10 to the existing value
QuantityValue(r, 1) = QuantityValue(r, 1) + 10
Next r
Range("QuantityTbl") = QuantityValue
End Sub

84
Key Takeaways: Arrays
1 One Dimensional Array
This is similar to highlighting one row or one column in Excel. Fixed one-dimensional array
is defined during the DIM statement: Dim MonthArray(1 To 12) As String.

2 Two Dimensional Array

This is similar to highlighting a matrix which includes a few columns and rows in Excel.
Think of the rows as the 1st dimension in an array and the columns as the 2nd dimension.

3 Dynamic Array
The exact size of the array is defined during code execution. Use the REDIM statement
to define the size and then fill the array.

Variant Array
4 This is similar to Excel arrays. A range of cells is defined as a variant. It can be directly
manipulated with a loop and values written back to cells in one go. This is a faster method
than using a For…Next loop.
85
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
86
Working with Files, Folders
& Text Files
Provide Flexibility & Create Data Exports

# Check if a File / Folder Exists (DIR)

# Allow the User to Select a File or Folder

# Create CSV Files

# Work with Text Files (for more control)

87
Check if File or Folder Exist (DIR)
DIR Function uses a path argument and returns the name of the file or folder. If path
name is not found, DIR returns a zero length string (“”).

Dir [( path [, attributes ] )

] Sub File_Exists()
Dim FileName As String
Constant Value Description
FileName = Dir("C:\Users\LG\Desktop\VBA\S2_*.xls*")
If FileName = VBA.Constants.vbNullString Then
vbNormal 0 (Default) Files with no attributes
MsgBox "file does not exist"
vbReadOnly 1 Read-only files Else
vbHidden 2 Hidden files MsgBox FileName
VbSystem 4 System files End If
vbDirectory 16 Directories or folders End Sub

Note: Wildcards like * and ?

Can be used in the path string.

88
 User Selects File(s): GetOpenFileName
GetOpenFileName Method to allow the
GetOpenFileName (Many Files)
user to select one or more files
Sub Select_Many_Files()
Dim FileToOpen As Variant
Dim FileCnt As Byte
GetOpenFileName (1 File)
Dim SelectedBook As Workbook
Sub Get_Data_From_File() 'Pick the files to import - allow multiselect
Dim FileToOpen As Variant FileToOpen = Application.GetOpenFilename _
Dim OpenBook As Workbook (Filefilter:="Excel Files (*.xlsx), *.xlsx", _
FileToOpen = Application.GetOpenFilename _ Title:="Select Workbook to Import", MultiSelect:=True)
(Title:="Browse for your File", _
FileFilter:="Excel Files (*.xls*),*.xls*") If IsArray(FileToOpen) Then
If FileToOpen <> False Then For FileCnt = 1 To UBound(FileToOpen)
Set OpenBook = Application.Workbooks.Open(FileToOpen) Set SelectedBook = Workbooks.Open
'[Instructions] _(FileName:=FileToOpen(FileCnt))
OpenBook.Close False ' [Instructions]
End If SelectedBook.Close
End Sub Next FileCnt
End If
End Sub 89
User Selects a Folder (to Loop Through)
Get Folder Name
Sub Loop_Inside_Folder()
Dim FileDir As String
FileDialog Property provides an easy way
Dim FiletoList As String
With Application.FileDialog(msoFileDialogFolderPicker) to allow the user to select a folder. You can
.Title = "Please select a folder" write a loop to go through each file inside
.ButtonName = "Pick Folder" the folder.
'Cancel show value = 0, -1 there was a selection
If .Show = 0 Then
Exit Sub
Else
FileDir = .SelectedItems(1) & "\"
End If Calling the Dir function again inside the
End With loop without any arguments moves on to
FiletoList = Dir(FileDir & "*xls*") the next file in the folder.
Do Until FiletoList = ""
FiletoList = Dir
Loop
End Sub
90
Export Sheets as CSV
Export as CSV
Sub Save_as_CSV()

Dim NewBook As Workbook

Dim FileName As String
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Application.DisplayAlerts = False
To export a sheet as CSV, first copy the
FileName = Application.ThisWorkbook.Path & "\TestTextCSV.csv"
Set NewBook = Workbooks.Add sheet to a new Workbook (make any
ShCSV.Copy before:=NewBook.Sheets(1) adjustments necessary) and the save this
With NewBook workbook as a csv file. Make sure to turn
.SaveAs FileName:=FileName, FileFormat:=Excel.xlCSV
off display alerts.
.Close
End With
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
Application.DisplayAlerts = True
MsgBox "Your CSV file was exported.", vbInformation

End Sub

91
Writing and Reading a Text File
VBA Open Statement (not the Open Method of Workbook) opens a file for reading or writing.
This gives your more control over the layout (for example the delimiter)
Open pathname For mode [ Access access ] [ lock ] As [ # ] filenumber [ Len = reclength ]

Required statements are:

• Pathname – path and name of file to be opened
• Mode – Input (read the file only), Output (write or read the file), Append
(add to the bottom of file)
• Filenumber – the next available file number. Use #1 if this is the first file
opened or use the FreeFile Function to get the next available file number

Write - This writes a line of

FileName = Application.ThisWorkbook.Path & "\ProjectActivity.csv"
text to the file surrounding it
Open FileName For Output As #1
with quotations ' [Instructions to loop through range]
Print - This writes a line of Print #1, myValue
text to the file without Close #1
quotations 92
Key Takeaways: Files & Folders
1 DIR Function
Use DIR to check if a file or folder exists. Remember you can use wildcards * ? In the path.

2 GetOpenFileName Method
Use this method to allow the user to browse and pick a file. Set the filter using the correct
extension if you’d like to restrict them to certain file types.

3 FileDialog Property
Use this property to allow the user to browse for and select a folder (you can also use it
to select files). Use DIR to get the name of the first file inside the folder and then DIR
again without any arguments to loop through the folder, i.e. move on to the next file.

4 Export Sheet as CSV

Export the Sheet to a new Workbook first and then save the workbook as a csv file format.

5 Export Data as Text (with delimiter of your choice)

Use Open, Print and Close statements to create a text file in the directory. Then loop
through your data set and write each cell to the file.
93
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
94
Excel Tables, Formulas &
Pivot Tables
A VBA Essential for Efficient Macros

# Using Excel Formulas in VBA

# Excel Tables - Use the Right Syntax

# Pivot Tables - What you Need to Know

95
Using Excel Formulas In VBA
To ensure compatibility with different Excel languages, use the macro recorder to record
formulas. The formulas are always recorded with the default English reference library.
These work on all the different languages of Excel.

FormulaR1C1 property uses the row and column numbering to refer to cells.
Formula property uses the A1 Type of referencing (although it can interpret R1C1
referencing as well).
To display formulas in local language, use the FormulaLocal property. E.g:
Range(“F20”).FormulaLocal instead of Range(“F20”).Formula

Dim LastRow As Long

LastRow = Range("A" & Cells.Rows.Count).End(xlUp).Row
Range("F9").FormulaR1C1 = "=IF(VALUE(LEFT(RC[-4],1))=8,RC[-1]-50,"""")"
Range("F9").AutoFill Destination:=Range("F9:F" & LastRow), Type:=xlFillDefault
Application.Calculate

96
 Table Task VBA Code
Declaring Tables Dim myTable As ListObject
Set myTable =Activesheet.ListObjects(“Table1")
Whole Table myTable.Range.Select
All Data – No Headers myTable.DataBodyRange.Select

Working Count Rows

Specific Row
myTable.Range.Rows.Count
myTable.ListRows(5).Range.Select
with Specific Column exclude Headers myTable.ListColumns(“Quantity”).DataBodyRange.Select

Excel Tables Header Only

Add a Row to the bottom

myTable.HeaderRowRange.Select

myTable.ListRows.Add , False
Add a 2nd Row myTable.ListRows.Add 2
Add a Column to the end myTable.ListColumns.Add
Add a 2nd Column myTable.ListColumns.Add 2
Add a Column to the end myTable.ListColumns.Add
Rename the last Column myTable.ListColumns(myTable.ListColumns.Count).Name = “NEW"
Add Formula to Row 1 Column 6 myTable.DataBodyRange(1, 6).FormulaR1C1 = "=(“put formula”)"

97
Working with Pivot Tables

Data Source Pivot Cache PivotTable

PivotTable Task VBA Code

Declaring Pivot Tables Dim PT As PivotTable
Set PT = ActiveSheet.PivotTables("PivotTable1")
Refresh Pivot Table PT.PivotCache.Refresh
Refresh All Pivot Tables ActiveWorkbook.RefreshAll
Data Range of Pivot PT.DataBodyRange.Font.FontStyle = "Arial"
Specific Pivot Field PT.PivotFields("Sum of Quantity”).NumberFormat = "#,##0"
Count number of Pivot Cache in Workbook ActiveWorkbook.PivotCaches.Count
Memory used for PivotCache 1 in bytes ActiveWorkbook.PivotCaches(1).MemoryUsed
Cache Index number of a Pivot Table ActiveSheet.PivotTables("PivotTable2").CacheIndex
Change Pivot Cache of one Pivot to another Pivot ActiveSheet.PivotTables("PivotTable2").ChangePivotCache ("PivotTable1“)

Change Pivot Cache to another Table PT.ChangePivotCache ActiveWorkbook.PivotCaches.Create(SourceType:=xlDatabase,

SourceData:="compnew")
98
Key Takeaways: Formulas & (Pivot) Tables
1 Excel Formulas in VBA
Use the macro recorder to record your formula and then copy it to your code. This makes
sure the English language reference is used which will ensure your formula will be
compatible with other Excel language packs (the English reference library is available by
default).
2 Excel Tables
Working with tables, ensures more flexibility for your macros. Use the ListObject class to
declare a table variable. Refer to the hand-out for the remaining statements.

3 Pivot Tables
Pivot Cache is the brain of the Pivot Table. When creating a Pivot Table, a Pivot Cache is
created first. Make sure you don’t have duplicate Pivot Caches in your reports (unless
you need them).

99
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
100
CONGRATULATIONS
You’ve completed the second major milestone
of the course!
I hope you’ve learnt new techniques which you can
apply to your projects and I hope you’re enjoying
the process as much as I am!

101
Interacting with Other
Applications
(Word, PowerPoint, Adobe etc.)

# PDF: Save Specific Tabs as a PDF File

# Email: Create Personalized Emails (with Attachments)

# Word: Change Specific Text in Microsoft Word

# PowerPoint: Add Slides with Excel Content

102
Excel’s In-built Methods / Dialogs
For Easy Interaction

ExportAsFixedFormat Method to create PDF files

You can loop through many tabs and export each to a separate PDF file or
export all tabs as one PDF file

ActiveSheet.ExportAsFixedFormat xlTypePDF, [FileName]

xlDialogSendMail to create E-mails with Attachments

Uses the default email client

You can loop through different cells to get individual email addresses,
email subject information and respective Excel sheets to be sent as
attachment
Application.Dialogs(xlDialogSendMail).Show [email], [subject]

103
Early Versus Late Binding
To work with other applications you need to create an instance of the object.
You have two options:
1. Early Binding
2. Late Binding
Early Binding: Go to Tools / References / Place a check mark on the application
Advantage: You have access to the Object Reference Library of this application
Disadvantage: The reference is version specific

Dim PowerPointApp as PowerPoint.Application

Set PowerPointApp = New PowerPoint.Application

Late Binding: You create the object at runtime.

Advantage: It’s version independent.
Disadvantage: You don’t have access to the object library of this application

Dim PowerPointApp as Object

Set PowerPointApp = CreateObject (“PowerPoint.Application”)
104
CreateObject & GetObject
CreateObject → Creates a new Instance of the application
(starts a separate copy of the program)

Dim PowerPointApp as Object

Set PowerPointApp = CreateObject (“PowerPoint.Application”)
PowerPointApp.Visible = True
[code]
PowerPointApp.Quit
Set PowerPointApp = Nothing

GetObject → Uses an existing instance of the application or starts the application with
a file loaded (you need to specify the path)

Set WordApp = GetObject(, "Word.Application")

105
Key Takeaways: Other Applications
1 Use ExportAsFixedFormat method to create PDF files

2 Use xlDialogSendMail to create simple E-mails (no need to activate the reference library)

Use Early Binding to connect to other applications if you’d like to get IntelliSense.
3 Do this by activating the Object Reference Library of the respective application.

4 Use CreateObject to create a new Instance of the application

5 Use GetObject to use an existing instance of the application

106
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
107
Worksheet & Workbook
Events
Use the Power of Events to Automatically Run Macros

# Understanding Workbook Events (e.g. Open, Deactivate…)

# Worksheet Events such as Selection Change & Change

# Practical Examples: Auto Refresh Pivot Tables

# Resetting a Dependent Drop-down (data validation)

108
What are Events?
Excel is programmed to monitor various events:

Workbook Events → Events that occur in a Workbook. For example, opening a

Workbook triggers the Open event. Closing a Workbook, triggers the Before_Close
event.
Worksheet Events → Events that occur in a Worksheet. For example, changing a cell
value triggers the Change event. Selecting a cell, triggers the Selection_Change event.

In addition to these, we have Chart events & UserForm events.

Event procedures need to be placed in the right place.

Otherwise they will not execute.

109
Useful Workbook Events
Common Workbook Events How it’s triggered
Open & BeforeClose Workbook is opened & workbook is about to be closed
Activate & Deactivate Workbook is activated & deactivated
SheetActivate & Sheet Any worksheet is activated & deactivated
Deactivate
BeforeSave & AfterSave A workbook is about to be saved & after it is saved
BeforePrint A workbook or parts of the workbook are about to be printed
NewSheet A new sheet is created in the workbook
SheetChange The contents of any worksheet are changed

SheetCalculate Any worksheet in the workbook is calculated

Private Sub Workbook_Open()

Sheets(1).Select
MsgBox "Welcome to this Lesson on Events"
Sheets(1).ScrollArea = "A1:K15"
End Sub
110
Useful Worksheet Events
Common Worksheet Events How it’s triggered
SelectionChange The selection in the sheet is changed
Change A cell input value is changed (does not apply to formula results)
Calculate The worksheet is calculated
Activate & Deactivate The worksheet is activated & deactivated
BeforeDelete The worksheet is about to be deleted
BeforeRightClick The worksheet is right clicked
BeforeDoubleClick The worksheet is double clicked

Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)

Cells.Font.Color = VBA.ColorConstants.vbBlack
Target.Font.Color = VBA.ColorConstants.vbBlue
End Sub

111
2 Useful Tips When Using Events
1 Disabling Events → Application.EnableEvents = False turns off any worksheet or
workbook events. You might need this to prevent an infinite loop. E.g. You might need
to change a value in a cell inside the Worksheet_Change event. This would re-trigger
the event. To make sure it doesn’t, turn off events before this line of code and then turn
it on again after the line of code Application.EnableEvents = True.

2 Intersect Method → Returns a range object which represents the intersection of

different ranges. If ranges don’t intersect, it returns nothing.

Range
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
Intersect If Not Intersect(Target, Range("A1:C6")) Is Nothing Then
[Instructions]
End If
End Sub
Target

112
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
113
Working with UserForms &
Form Controls
For Interactive & User-Friendly tools

# How to Use ActiveX Controls

# ActiveX Controls: Practical Examples

# UserForm Basics (Order of Events, Checklist)

# UserForms: Practical Examples

114
 ActiveX Controls
Embed UserForm controls directly in your Worksheet

You don’t necessarily need to use Macros: You can link to values to cells.

ActiveX controls are more flexible than Form Controls.

Design mode: You need to switch to design mode to adjust properties of ActiveX controls

Use properties window to adjust control name, fill range and linked cell

ActiveX controls have event-handler procedures which is kept in the code window of the
sheet the ActiveX is in.

Private Sub btInsert_Click()

Sheets.Add after:=Sheets(Sheets.Count)
End Sub

115
Steps to Your UserForm
1 Insert a UserForm (right-mouse click in Project View and Insert →
UserForm)

2 Add Controls to the Form (use copy/paste, align options etc.)

3 Adjust Properties for the UserForm and each Control in the Properties Window

Write procedures for the controls in the code window of the UserForm (use keyword
4 ME when referring to the UserForm (instead of referencing the form’s name)

5 Create a Sub Procedure in a Module to show the UserForm

6 Unload UserForm once it’s no longer needed

116
Order of UserForm Events
Load Initialize
Show Initialize Activate
UnLoad QueryClose Terminate
Hide
Close Button UnLoad

Each Control has specific events & a default event

Filling up List Boxes or Combo Boxes:

- in the control property (RowSource) of properties window
- Before the UserForm is Shown (during Initialization)

117
UserForm Checklist
Does your UserForm have a simple & easy to read layout?

Is text spelled correctly?

Is the tab order set correctly?

Can controls be accessed with a hot key?

Can the User Cancel or Close the form?

Do the controls behave as required?

UserForms can be exported and imported to other projects.

Right-mouse click on form → Export File & File → Import File to load the form

118
Using a ListBox or ComboBox
You can add items to a ListBox or ComboBox
# by specifying a range (or a named range) in the
RowSource property at design time

# You can link the value of a ListBox or ComboBox to a cell using the ControlSource property
or use the Value property in VBA code

# You can add items to a ListBox and ComboBox at runtime using the AddItem
method
# To get the Value for a ListBox (single) use Value or ListIndex property. For a Multiselect
ListBox use Selected() property

# You can allow MutiSelect in a ListBox and display the items with CheckBoxes or
OptionButtions (for single selection)

# If no items in a ListBox are selected, ListIndex = -1

The first item in the ListBox has a ListIndex of 0 119
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
120
CONGRATULATIONS
You’ve completed the LAST major milestone of
the course!
I hope you’ve learnt new techniques which you can
apply to your projects and I hope you’re enjoying
the process as much as I am!

121
Creating Customized
Functions / Formulas
Make your own formulas in Excel

# How Function Procedures Work

# Functions that Get only Text or only Number from cell

# Functions in Sub Procedures

# Functions that Sum Based on Cell Color

122
How Function Procedures Work
You can use Function Procedures in:

Excel Formulas: Use your created functions as normal formulas

Other Sub Procedures: Use them in Sub Procedures

When are Function Procedures Recalculated?

Custom Functions are recalculated just like other Excel formulas

– i.e, when one of its arguments change.

You can force calculation whenever a value in a cell is changed by using

Application.Volatile True

To force re-calculation of all formulas use Example of a Simple Function Procedure

Ctrl + Alt + F9
Function YearsSince(myDate) As Long
YearsSince = Year(Date) - Year(myDate)
End Function
123
Key Takeaways Function Procedures
Use Arguments instead of cell references
Use Function Procedures (Private or Public) to make coding much simpler
You can use optional arguments in Function procedures by using the keyword “Optional”
If your formula returns #Value you probably have a mistake in the VBA
code To debug functions:
• Add a breakpoint
• Add a message box / use immediate window

Example of a Function Procedure with Optional Arguments

Function YearsSinceOp(myDate, Optional Txt As String) As Variant
If IsMissing(Txt) Then
YearsSinceOp = Year(Date) - Year(myDate)
Else
YearsSinceOp = Year(Date) - Year(myDate) & " " & Txt
End If
End Function
124
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
125
Working with Charts
# Understand the Chart Object Model

# Create Custom Charts Automatically

# Animated Charts

# Embed Charts in UserForms

126
 VBA Basics for Charts
Embedded Chart Chart Sheet
Application Application
Workbook Workbook
Embedded Charts are part
Worksheet of the ChartObjects & the Chart
Shapes Collection
ChartObject (Chart Element)
Chart
AddChart2 Method to
(Chart Element) create an Embedded
Chart and Add2 Method
Examples for embedded charts for a new Chart Sheet
(From Excel 2013 &
ActiveSheet.Shapes.AddChart2 , xlColumnClustered above)

Set myChart=ActiveSheet.Shapes.AddChart2 (, xlColumnClustered).Chart

127
1 Become familiar with Macros, VBE & the Object Model
How to Reference Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks
Variables, Data Types
Working with Collections & Making Decisions
Useful VBA Functions

2 Debugging code, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope

Looping in VBA to Control the Flow of Code

Working with Arrays
Working with Files, Folders & Text Files
Excel Tables, Formulas & Pivot Tables

3 Interacting with Other Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, PDF)

Worksheet & Workbook Events
ActiveX Form Controls & VBA UserForms

Function Procedures & Working with Charts

More…
128
More Learning…
If you’d like to improve your Excel knowledge, check out my other courses:
• Visually Effective Excel Dashboards
• Advanced Excel: Top Excel Tips and Formulas
• Excel Charts: Visualization Secrets for Impressive Reports
• Ultimate Excel Waterfall Chart Course

I share free content on YouTube every Thursday

Msdn.Microsoft.com Website (Visual Basic for Applications)

Power Programming with VBA (Excel 2013): By John Walkenbach. This is one of my
absolute favorite VBA books.

129
THANK YOU!
Please take a few seconds to
leave a review for the course.
Your support is very much
appreciated.

130