How to Quickly Configure VBA Printers in 3 Minutes (Excel)

Written by Kasper Langmann

Configuring VBA printers in Excel can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) environment. However, with a few simple steps, you can quickly set up your printers and start printing your Excel documents with ease. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can configure your VBA printers in just three minutes.

Understanding VBA in Excel

Before we delve into the configuration process, it’s important to understand what VBA is and how it works in Excel. VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is a programming language developed by Microsoft. It is primarily used for automating tasks in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.

With VBA, you can create macros, which are sets of instructions that Excel can execute. These macros can automate repetitive tasks, perform complex calculations, and even interact with other applications. In the context of printers, VBA can be used to control the printing process, allowing you to print documents directly from Excel.

Now that we have a basic understanding of VBA in Excel, let’s move on to the configuration process.

Configuring VBA Printers in Excel

Configuring VBA printers in Excel involves a few simple steps. The first step is to open the VBA editor. This can be done by pressing Alt + F11 on your keyboard. Once the VBA editor is open, you can start configuring your printers.

The second step is to create a new module. A module is a container for your VBA code. To create a new module, simply click on the “Insert” menu and select “Module”. This will create a new module where you can write your VBA code.

Writing the VBA Code

Once you have created a new module, you can start writing your VBA code. The code for configuring printers in Excel is quite simple. It involves using the “Application.Printer” property to set the active printer.

Here is an example of what the code might look like:

Sub SetPrinter()
    Application.ActivePrinter = "Printer Name"
End Sub

In this code, “Printer Name” should be replaced with the name of the printer you want to use. Once you have written the code, you can run it by pressing F5. This will set the active printer to the one specified in the code.

Testing the Configuration

After you have written and run your VBA code, it’s important to test the configuration to make sure it’s working correctly. To do this, you can create a simple Excel document and try printing it.

If the document prints correctly, then your configuration is successful. If not, you may need to check your VBA code and make sure you have entered the correct printer name.

Common Issues and Solutions

While configuring VBA printers in Excel is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions.

Incorrect Printer Name

One of the most common issues is entering the incorrect printer name in the VBA code. If the printer name is not correct, Excel will not be able to find the printer and the document will not print. To solve this issue, make sure you have entered the correct printer name in the code.

Printer Not Connected

Another common issue is that the printer is not connected to the computer. If the printer is not connected, Excel will not be able to send the document to the printer. To solve this issue, make sure your printer is properly connected to your computer.

Conclusion

Configuring VBA printers in Excel is a simple process that can be completed in just a few minutes. With a basic understanding of VBA and a few lines of code, you can set up your printers and start printing documents directly from Excel. Remember to test your configuration and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. With these steps, you’ll be printing with VBA in no time.