Run a macro from a macro (from another workbook)

In VBA, there are several ways to run a macro within a macro, and even run a macro from another workbook.  On forums these methods are used interchangeably depending on the commenter’s personal preferences.  This can lead to confusion for anybody trying to learn VBA.  Depending on the method for running/calling the macro, the syntax is slightly different.

This post shows these common methods and how to use them.

Run a macro in the same workbook

The standard method for calling a macro contained in the same workbook are detailed below.

Use the macro’s name

In this code example, only the macro’s name is required.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

NameOfMacro

End Sub

When using this method with parameters/arguments, the first argument follows the name of the macro, each subsequent argument is separated by a comma.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim argument1 As String
Dim argument2 As Integer
argument1 = "ExampleText"
argument2 = 1

NameOfMacro argument1, argument2

End Sub

Calling a macro

Using the Call statement is my preferred method.  As it is easier to read, because it is clear that another macro is being run.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Call NameOfMacro

End Sub

Parameters used with this method are enclosed in parentheses and separated by a comma.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim argument1 As String
Dim argument2 As Integer
argument1 = "ExampleText"
argument2 = 1

Call NameOfMacro(argument1, argument2)

End Sub

Run a macro

The Run command is similar to Call, but requires the name of the macro to be in the form of a text string.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Run "NameOfMacro"

End Sub

To use arguments, the text string is followed by a comma, each argument is separated by a comma.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim argument1 As String
Dim argument2 As Integer
argument1 = "ExampleText"
argument2 = 1

Run "NameOfMacro", argument1, argument2

End Sub

Run a macro based on a variable

It is possible to Run a macro based on the value of a string variable.  This enables a different macro to be triggered depending on the value of the string variable at that point.

In the example below:

• NameOfMacro is the name of the Sub procedure (the same as the examples above)
• MacroName is a string variable, which holds the text “NameOfMacro”

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim MacroName As String

MacroName = "NameOfMacro"

Run MacroName

End Sub

In the code above the Run command is not followed by a text string, but a variable.  The Run function works because the variable is a text string.

To use parameters using this method the syntax is as follows:

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim MacroName As String
Dim argument1 As String
Dim argument2 As Integer
MacroName = "NameOfMacro"
argument1 = "ExampleText"
argument2 = 1

Run MacroName, argument1, argument2

End Sub

Run a macro contained in another workbook

Note: The workbook which contains the macro must be open.  If you need to open the workbook first, check out the code in this post.

To run a macro contained in another workbook, use the Application.Run command as follows:

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Application.Run "'Another Workbook.xlsm'!NameOfMacro"

End Sub

The single quotation marks are needed when the workbook name contains a space.

If there is no space, the single quotation marks are not required.  The code will still run correctly if they are included, so I prefer to use them for consistency.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Application.Run "AnotherWorkbook.xlsm!NameOfMacro"

End Sub

Run a macro contained in another workbook based on a variable

Using the text string variable, we can build the name of the workbook and macro.  This enables us to call any macro from any open workbook.

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim WorkbookName As String
Dim MacroName As String
WorkbookName = "AnotherWorkbook.xlsm"
MacroName = "NameOfMacro"

Run "'" & WorkbookName & "'!" & MacroName

End Sub

If using parameters, these can also be included a follows:

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Dim WorkbookName As String
Dim MacroName As String
Dim argument1 As String
Dim argument2 As Integer
WorkbookName = "AnotherWorkbook.xlsm"
MacroName = "NameOfMacro"
argument1 = "ExampleText"
argument2 = 1

Run "'" & WorkbookName & "'!" & MacroName, argument1, argument2

End Sub

Calling and running macros from Workbook, Worksheet or UserForm Modules

All the examples above assume the VBA code is stored within a Standard Module.  But, VBA code can be held within Workbook, Worksheet, and UserForm Modules too. To call a macro from one of these types of modules, it requires a small adjustment; the name of the object must precede the name of the macro.

Using the same Run method as above, to run a macro contained within the Workbook Module the code would be as follows:

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Run "ThisWorkbook.NameOfMacro"

End Sub

Notice that “NameOfMacro” has now become “ThisWorkbook.NameOfMacro”.

If the VBA code is contained within the Workbook Module of another workbook, the code would be adjusted as follows:

Sub CallAnotherMacro()

Run "'AnotherWorkbook.xlsm'!ThisWorkbook.NameOfMacro"

End Sub

Use the code name of the object to reference a Worksheet Module or UserForm Module.

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Want to Learn VBA & Macros?

If you want to automate Excel and save time, my recommended resouces for learning VBA Macros are:

Books:

Excel 2016 Power Programming with VBA

Courses:

The Complete Excel VBA Course for Beginners