We can often find spreadsheets with cells containing codes that have been shortened. So, rather than Proj003412, the cell value has been reduced to just 3412. It’s not a big problem to extend the code back to the full version; we could achieve that with a simple formula, then copy and paste special values. If we have to do this regularly, it can start to become time-consuming.
I decided to write a macro to speed up the process. In this post, I will show you how to use that marco to add a prefix or suffix to every cell.
Download the example file
I recommend you download the example file for this post. Then you’ll be able to work along with examples and see the solution in action, plus the file will be useful for future reference.
Download the file: 0007 Add suffix or prefix with VBA.zip
The VBA code
There are two separate VBA codes below.
To make the code reusable, your Personal Macro Workbook is the best place to save the macro.
Add prefix
Sub AddPrefix() Dim c As Range Dim prefixValue As Variant 'Display inputbox to collect prefix text prefixValue = Application.InputBox(Prompt:="Enter prefix:", _ Title:="Prefix", Type:=2) 'The User clicked Cancel If prefixValue = False Then Exit Sub 'Loop through each cellin selection For Each c In Selection 'Add prefix where cell is not a formula or blank If Not c.HasFormula And c.Value <> "" Then c.Value = prefixValue & c.Value End If Next End Sub
Add suffix
Sub AddSuffix() Dim c As Range Dim suffixValue As Variant 'Display inputbox to collect prefix text suffixValue = Application.InputBox(Prompt:="Enter Suffix:", _ Title:="Suffix", Type:=2) 'The User clicked Cancel If suffixValue = False Then Exit Sub 'Loop through each cellin selection For Each c In Selection 'Add Suffix where cell is not a formula or blank If Not c.HasFormula And c.Value <> "" Then c.Value = c.Value & suffixValue End If Next End Sub
How to use the codes
To use the macro, follow these steps:
-
- Select the cells which contain the current values
- Depending on your needs, run the AddPrefix, or AddSuffix macro.
- An Input Box will appear, enter the text string you wish to add to the start (for prefix) or end (for suffix) of each cell, then click OK.
- Ta-dah! The values will be updated. How speedy was that! 🙂
- Select the cells which contain the current values
The macro will not change cells that are blank or contain formulas.
About the author
Hey, I’m Mark, and I run Excel Off The Grid.
My parents tell me that at the age of 7 I declared I was going to become a qualified accountant. I was either psychic or had no imagination, as that is exactly what happened. However, it wasn't until I was 35 that my journey really began.
In 2015, I started a new job, for which I was regularly working after 10pm. As a result, I rarely saw my children during the week. So, I started searching for the secrets to automating Excel. I discovered that by building a small number of simple tools, I could combine them together in different ways to automate nearly all my regular tasks. This meant I could work less hours (and I got pay raises!). Today, I teach these techniques to other professionals in our training program so they too can spend less time at work (and more time with their children and doing the things they love).
Do you need help adapting this post to your needs?
I'm guessing the examples in this post don't exactly match your situation. We all use Excel differently, so it's impossible to write a post that will meet everybody's needs. By taking the time to understand the techniques and principles in this post (and elsewhere on this site), you should be able to adapt it to your needs.
But, if you're still struggling you should:
- Read other blogs, or watch YouTube videos on the same topic. You will benefit much more by discovering your own solutions.
- Ask the 'Excel Ninja' in your office. It's amazing what things other people know.
- Ask a question in a forum like Mr Excel, or the Microsoft Answers Community. Remember, the people on these forums are generally giving their time for free. So take care to craft your question, make sure it's clear and concise. List all the things you've tried, and provide screenshots, code segments and example workbooks.
- Use Excel Rescue, who are my consultancy partner. They help by providing solutions to smaller Excel problems.
What next?
Don't go yet, there is plenty more to learn on Excel Off The Grid. Check out the latest posts:
Thank you for this, I have a similar sub but I include a choice at start for ading at start, end or to fill the cell. Mine doesn’t include hasformula but I will add it.
It’s quite a useful code to have in the library for those times when it comes in handy.