How to Quickly Create a VBA Excel Template in 3 Minutes

Written by Kasper Langmann

Creating a VBA Excel template can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the basics of VBA programming. However, with the right guidance and a systematic approach, you can easily create a VBA Excel template in just three minutes. In this guide, we will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you understand each aspect of the process.

Understanding VBA and Excel Templates

Before we delve into the process of creating a VBA Excel template, it’s crucial to understand what VBA and Excel templates are. VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is a programming language that is used in many Microsoft Office applications, including Excel. It allows users to automate tasks and functions, making it easier to manage and analyze data.

On the other hand, an Excel template is a spreadsheet file that serves as a starting point for new workbooks. It can contain predefined formulas, formatting, and other settings that you want to apply to your new workbooks. By combining VBA and Excel templates, you can automate repetitive tasks and save time.

Setting Up Your Excel Workbook

Opening Excel

First, you need to open Excel. You can do this by clicking on the Excel icon on your desktop or by searching for it in the Start menu. Once Excel is open, you can start setting up your workbook.

Creating a New Workbook

Next, you need to create a new workbook. To do this, click on the “File” tab on the ribbon, then select “New”. You can choose to create a blank workbook or use a template. For this guide, we will create a blank workbook.

Enabling Developer Tab

To use VBA in Excel, you need to enable the Developer tab. This tab is not visible by default, so you need to enable it manually. To do this, right-click anywhere on the ribbon, then select “Customize the Ribbon”. In the Excel Options dialog box that appears, check the box next to “Developer” under the “Main Tabs” section, then click “OK”. The Developer tab should now be visible on the ribbon.

Creating Your VBA Excel Template

Opening VBA Editor

Now that your workbook is set up, you can start creating your VBA Excel template. To do this, you need to open the VBA Editor. You can do this by clicking on the “Developer” tab on the ribbon, then selecting “Visual Basic”. This will open the VBA Editor.

Inserting a New Module

In the VBA Editor, you need to insert a new module. A module is a container for your VBA code. To insert a new module, click on “Insert” in the menu bar, then select “Module”. A new module will appear in the Project Explorer on the left side of the VBA Editor.

Writing Your VBA Code

Now you can start writing your VBA code. In the module you just inserted, you can write your code in the large white space on the right side of the VBA Editor. Your code will depend on what you want your Excel template to do. For example, you can write a code that automatically formats cells, calculates totals, or generates reports.

Saving Your Excel Template

Once you have written your VBA code, you need to save your Excel template. To do this, click on the “File” tab on the ribbon, then select “Save As”. In the Save As dialog box that appears, choose the location where you want to save your template, then select “Excel Template (*.xltx)” in the “Save as type” dropdown menu. Finally, give your template a name, then click “Save”.

Using Your VBA Excel Template

Now that you have created your VBA Excel template, you can use it to create new workbooks. To do this, click on the “File” tab on the ribbon, then select “New”. Under the “New” tab, click on “Personal” to access your personal templates. Select the template you just created, then click “Create”. A new workbook will be created based on your template, complete with your VBA code.

Remember, the beauty of a VBA Excel template is that it allows you to automate tasks and functions, making your work easier and more efficient. With this guide, you should be able to create a VBA Excel template in just three minutes. Happy coding!