Microsoft Excel VBA Training Courses

Aims of the course

This course covers automation and customising of Excel using macros and screen items (such as buttons and menus). Delegates learn how to write macros using VB code and assign macros to screen items

Course Objectives

On completion of the course delegates will have gained confidence in using Excel VBA. They will be able to:

• Use the Macro Recorder to record macros
• Use VBA to create and edit macros
• Use objects and dialog boxes
• Work with VBA controls
• Use variables, arrays and functions
• Work with Active Data Objects
• Create add-ins

The course is of two days' duration. However, a one day course outline can be provided on request.

How the course is run

This instructor-led course has a hands-on approach, with plenty of opportunity for delegates to practise the new skills they learn at the computer.

Pre-requisites

Familiarity with the Windows environment, and a good knowledge of Excel. Prior attendance of the Advanced Excel course would be an advantage.

Introduction and the Macro Recorder

• Recording a macro using the Macro Recorder
• Recording a macro using absolute cell references
• The Personal Macro Workbook
• Assigning shortcut keys
• Deleting macros
• Recording macros using relative cell references

Using VBA to Create and Edit Macros

• The concepts of storing macros
• Using the VB Editor
• Using Visual Basic Help
• Closing the Visual Basic Editor
• Understanding Macro Security

Working with Procedures and Functions

• Understanding modules
• Creating a standard module
• Copying and pasting procedures
• Creating a sub procedure
• Calling procedures
• Linking procedures
• Creating a function procedure
• Naming procedures
• Working with the Code Editor

Objects and Dialog Boxes

• Introduction to objects
• Navigating the Excel object hierarchy
• Understanding collections
• Introduction to the object browser
• Searching the object browser
• Working with properties
• Using the With statement
• Working with methods
• Creating an event procedure

Using Expressions, Variables and Intrinsic Functions

• Understanding expressions and statements
• Declaring variables
• Understanding data types
• Working with variable scope
• Using intrinsic functions
• Understanding constants
• Understanding intrinsic constants
• Using message boxes
• Using input boxes
• Declaring object variables
• Using object variables

Controlling Program Execution

• Understanding control-of-flow structures
• Boolean expressions
• If, Else and Select Case
• Do Loops
• The For...To...Next structure
• The For Each... Next structure
• Using control-of-flow structures

VBA Forms and Controls

• Creating userforms
• Using the Toolbox
• Working with userform properties, events and methods
• Setting control properties in the Properties window
• The label control
• The text box control
• The command button control
• The combo box control
• The frame control
• Option button controls
• Appearance of controls
• Setting tab order
• Populating a control
• Adding code to controls
• Launching a form in code

Working with the PivotTable Object

• Using worksheet data to create a pivottable
• Working with pivottable objects
• Working with the pivotfield collection
• Assigning a macro to a toolbar/Quick Access toolbar

Code debugging

• Looking at errors
• Using the debugging tools
• Setting breakpoints
• Stepping through code
• Using Break mode
• Working out the value of expressions

Error Handling

• The VBA error tracking options
• Using the On Error statement to trap errors
• The Err object
• Writing a routine to handle errors
• Inline error items