Working with workbooks is one of the most common actions when writing VBA code. The following is a reference guide to for finding the right syntax.
Contents:
- Referencing workbooks by name
- Referencing workbooks by their status
- Referencing workbooks by when they were opened
- Assign a workbook to a variable
- Create new workbooks
- Opening workbooks
- Counting the open workbooks
- Saving workbooks
- Protect & unprotect workbooks
- Closing workbooks
- Using the active workbook
Referencing workbooks by name
'Reference a workbook by name
Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").[other properties/actions]
Referencing workbooks by their status
'Reference the workbook in which the VBA code is ThisWorkbook.[other properties/actions] 'Reference the active workbook ActiveWorkbook.[other properties/actions]
Referencing workbooks by when they were opened
'Referencing the first workbook opened Workbooks(1).[other properties/actions] 'Referencing the second workbook opened Workbooks(2).[other properties/actions] 'Referencing the last workbook opened Workbooks(Workbooks.Count).[other properties/actions]
Assign a workbook to a variable
'Assign a workbook to a variable Dim Wk as Workbook Set Wk = Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx")
Create new workbooks
'Create a new workbook Workbooks.Add 'Assign a new workbook to a variable Dim Wk as Workbook Set Wk = Workbooks.Add
Opening workbooks
'Open a workbook Workbooks.Open ("C:\FilePath\WorkbookName.xlsx") 'Open a workbook as read-only Workbooks.Open ("C:\FilePath\WorkbookName.xlsx", ReadOnly:=True)
Counting the open workbooks
'Counting the open workbooks
Workbooks.Count
Saving workbooks
'Save a workbook Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Save 'Save a workbook with a new name Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").SaveAs "C:\FilePath\NewWorkbookName.xlsx" 'Save a copy of the workbook Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").SaveCopyAs "C:\FilePath\NewWorkbookName.xlsx"
Protect & Unprotect workbooks
'Protect workbook without password Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Protect 'Unprotect workbook without password Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Unprotect 'Protect workbook with password Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Protect "Password" 'Unprotect workbook with password Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Unprotect "Password"
Closing workbooks
'Close without saving changes Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Close False 'Close and save changes Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Close True
Using the active workbook
'Activate a workbook
Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Activate
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:
All the codes are helpful and provided description that are easily to understand. but, my concern is can you provide a specific location where should i put the block of codes. for example, this block of codes put it in module then this one for form load, and then this one is for workbook, etc. I’m frustrated to run the system because there are to many errors occurred. Please, I hope my suggestion will be accepted. Thank you more power.!
Thank you for the feedback Francis. I will take this on board and include it as part of the next full site maintenance.