Lesson 1 Introduction

🧩 What is Excel VBA?

Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a powerful programming language built into Microsoft Excel that allows users to automate repetitive tasks, customize Excel functionalities, and build advanced solutions like user forms and dashboards.

With VBA, you can:

• Write macros to perform tasks automatically
• Create custom functions beyond Excel’s built-in formulas
• Interact with other Office applications like Word and Outlook
• Develop interactive tools such as buttons, drop-down lists, and forms

Think of VBA as Excel’s built-in coding engine that empowers users to take control of spreadsheets and streamline complex workflows.

🚀 Why Learn VBA in Excel 365?

Learning VBA in Excel 365 gives you a major productivity boost, especially in today’s data-driven workplaces.

Here are 5 great reasons to learn VBA in Excel 365:

1. Automate Repetitive Tasks: Eliminate manual work by writing macros that perform tasks like formatting, data entry, and report generation—saving hours every week.
2. Boost Your Excel Skills: Understanding VBA unlocks hidden features in Excel 365 and enhances your data analysis capabilities.
3. Create Custom Solutions: You can build tools tailored to your specific needs—such as invoice generators, dynamic dashboards, and data import/export utilities.
4. Improve Job Prospects: Employers highly value VBA skills for roles in finance, data analysis, engineering, and business operations.
5. Work Smarter, Not Harder: Excel 365 integrates with cloud features and Power Query, and VBA adds another level of automation that makes your spreadsheets smarter and more interactive.

In short: Learning VBA makes you a power user—enabling you to do more with Excel in less time.

🛠️ Step-by-Step: Writing Your First Macro

Let’s walk through how to create your very first Excel VBA macro using the built-in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor in Excel 365.

🔹 Step 1: Open the Developer Tab

Before writing any macro, make sure the Developer tab is visible in the Ribbon:

1. Go to File > Options.
2. Select Customize Ribbon.
3. Check the box for Developer, then click OK.

Refer to Figure 1.1 showing the Developer tab added to the Ribbon.

🔹 Step 2: Launch the Visual Basic Editor

Click on the Developer tab, then select Visual Basic. This opens the VBA Editor, where you can write and manage your macro code.

🔹 Step 3: Insert a Module

In the VBA Editor:

1. Right-click on VBAProject (Your Workbook Name) in the left pane.
2. Choose Insert > Module.

This opens a new code window, ready for your macro, as shown in Figure 1.3.

🔹 Step 4: Write Your First Macro

In the module window, type the following code:

 Private Sub Worksheet_Activate()
 MsgBox "Welcome to Excel VBA 365"
End Sub
 

This simple macro displays a message box that says "Welcome to Excel VBA 365", as shown in Figure 1.4

🔹 Step 5: Run the Macro

1. Close the VBA Editor and return to Excel.
2. In the Developer tab, click Macros.
3. Select HelloWorld from the list and click Run.

A pop-up message will appear — Congratulations, you’ve just run your first VBA macro!

💡 Tip:

Always save your workbook as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) to preserve your macros.