Working with worksheets is one of the most common actions when writing VBA code. The following is a reference guide to for finding the right syntax.
Referencing worksheets from the workbook
'Reference a worksheet in another workbook Workbooks("WorkbookName.xlsx").Worksheets("SheetName").[other properties/actions] 'Reference a worksheet in the same workbook as the VBA code ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("SheetName").[other properties/actions] 'Reference a worksheet in the active workbook ActiveWorkbook.Worksheets("SheetName").[other properties/actions]
To use any of the following examples you will need to include the workbook reference, otherwise Excel will assume you want to use the ActiveWorkbook.
Selecting worksheets by name
'Select a worksheet by name
Worksheets("SheetName")
Select worksheets by position from left most worksheet
'Select worksheets by position from the left most worksheet
Worksheets(1) 'the first worksheet
Worksheets(2) 'the second worksheet
Adding worksheets
'Add a worksheet Worksheets.Add 'Add 4 worksheets Worksheets.Add Count:=4 'Add a worksheet infront of a worksheet Worksheets.Add Before:=Worksheets(3) 'Add a worksheet after a worksheet Worksheets.Add after:=Worksheets(3) 'Add a worksheet at the start Worksheets.Add Before:=Worksheets(1) 'Add a worksheet to the end Worksheets.Add after:=Worksheets(Worksheets.Count) 'Add a new worksheet and assign it to a variable Dim Ws As Worksheet Set Ws = Worksheets.Add 'Add a new worksheet and name it Dim Ws As Worksheet Set Ws = Worksheets.Add Ws.Name = "SheetName"
Delete worksheets
'Delete a worksheet Worksheets("SheetName").Delete 'Delete a worksheet without displaying an error message Application.DisplayAlerts = False Worksheets("SheetName").Delete Application.DisplayAlerts = True
Assign a worksheet to a variable
'Assign a worksheet to a variable Dim Ws as Worksheet Set Ws = Worksheets("SheetName")
Rename a worksheet
'Rename a worksheet
Worksheets("OldSheetName").Name = "NewSheetName"
Set the visibility status of a worksheet.
'Visible Worksheets("SheetName").Visible = xlSheetVisible 'Hidden Worksheets("SheetName").Visible = xlSheetHidden 'Invisible Worksheets("SheetName").Visible = xlSheetVeryHidden
For other examples of worksheet visibility check out these posts:
Count worksheets
'Count worksheets
Worksheets.Count
Copy/Move worksheets
'Copy worksheets Worksheets("SheetName").Copy 'Move a worksheet in front of another worksheet Worksheets("SheetName").Copy Before:=Worksheets("AnotherSheetName") 'Move a worksheet after another worksheet Worksheets("SheetName").Copy After:=Worksheets("AnotherSheetName") 'Copy multiple worksheets Worksheets(Array("SheetName", "SheetName2", "SheetName3")).Copy
Protect & Unprotect worksheets
'Protect a worksheet Worksheets("SheetName").Protect 'Protect a worksheet with a password Worksheets("SheetName").Protect "password" 'Unprotect a worksheet without a password Worksheets("SheetName").Unprotect 'Unprotect a worksheet without a password Worksheets("SheetName").Unprotect "password"
Using the Active worksheet
'Activate a worksheet Worksheets("SheetName").Activate 'Rename the activesheet ActiveSheet.Name = "SheetName"
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?
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