How to Master VBA Object Oriented Programming in 3 Minutes (Excel)

Written by Kasper Langmann

Mastering VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) Object Oriented Programming in Excel is a skill that can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. This programming language allows you to automate tasks, manage data, and create custom functions in Excel. In this guide, we will explore the basics of VBA Object Oriented Programming and provide you with the tools you need to start writing your own scripts.

Understanding VBA and Object Oriented Programming

VBA is a programming language developed by Microsoft that is used in many of their applications, including Excel. It is an event-driven language, meaning it responds to user actions such as clicks or key presses. Object Oriented Programming (OOP), on the other hand, is a programming paradigm that uses ‘objects’ to design applications and software. These objects are instances of classes, which are essentially user-defined data types.

When you combine VBA with OOP, you get a powerful tool that allows you to create complex applications in Excel. This is because OOP allows you to create code that is reusable, scalable, and easy to maintain. It also makes it easier to work with large amounts of data, which is often the case when using Excel.

Getting Started with VBA in Excel

Enabling Developer Tab

The first step to using VBA in Excel is to enable the Developer tab. This tab is not visible by default, but you can easily enable it by going to File > Options > Customize Ribbon and checking the Developer box. Once the Developer tab is enabled, you will have access to the VBA editor and other developer tools.

Accessing the VBA Editor

To access the VBA editor, simply click on the Developer tab and then click on the Visual Basic button. This will open the VBA editor, where you can write and manage your VBA scripts. The VBA editor is divided into several sections, including a Project Explorer, a Properties window, and a Code window.

Understanding Objects, Properties, and Methods

In VBA Object Oriented Programming, everything revolves around objects. An object is an instance of a class, and it can have properties and methods. A property is a characteristic of an object, such as its color or size. A method, on the other hand, is an action that an object can perform.

For example, in Excel, a cell can be considered an object. Its properties could include its value, font, and color, while its methods could include clear, copy, and paste. Understanding how to work with objects, properties, and methods is key to mastering VBA Object Oriented Programming.

Writing Your First VBA Script

Creating a New Sub Procedure

A Sub procedure is a series of VBA statements enclosed by the Sub and End Sub statements. To create a new Sub procedure, simply type Sub followed by the name of your procedure, and then press Enter. The VBA editor will automatically add the End Sub statement for you.

Writing the VBA Code

Now that you have created a new Sub procedure, you can start writing your VBA code. The code you write will depend on what you want your script to do. For example, if you want to create a script that changes the color of a cell, you might write something like this:


Sub ChangeCellColor()
    Range("A1").Interior.Color = RGB(255, 0, 0)
End Sub

This script uses the Range object, which represents a cell or a range of cells. The Interior property is used to access the interior of the cell, and the Color property is used to set the color of the cell. The RGB function is used to specify the color.

Mastering VBA Object Oriented Programming

Mastering VBA Object Oriented Programming requires practice and patience. The more you use VBA, the more comfortable you will become with its syntax and structure. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  • Start small: Begin with simple scripts and gradually work your way up to more complex ones.
  • Use the Macro Recorder: The Macro Recorder is a great tool for learning VBA. It records your actions in Excel and converts them into VBA code.
  • Read and understand the code: Instead of just copying and pasting code, take the time to understand what each line of code does. This will help you learn the syntax and structure of VBA.
  • Practice, practice, practice: The best way to learn VBA is by doing. Try to automate different tasks in Excel and experiment with different scripts.

With time and practice, you will be able to master VBA Object Oriented Programming and greatly enhance your Excel skills. Happy coding!