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Leila Gharani

Go from Beginner to Microsoft Excel VBA Expert.

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Go from Beginner to Microsoft Excel VBA Expert.

I'll take you step-by-step through engaging video tutorials and teach you everything you need to know to be able to use VBA to improve your work flow, save time and automate your current Excel projects. 

What differentiates this course from the other Microsoft Excel VBA & macros courses? It includes:

  1. Over 50 Microsoft Excel VBA & macro examples. These are solutions my clients have needed through the years. They are likely to be useful for you too.

  2. Using the right VBA syntax is the most difficult part. An important topic which isn't covered enough in other VBA courses. In this course you understand why you write things in certain ways.

  3. Create 3 Complete Excel VBA Tools. We go from idea to final product and cover each step.

  4. Over 100 pages of documentation (including useful code) so you can easily refer to it when in need.

  5. Simple explanations for complex concepts.

  6. High quality video and different delivery methods to keep things interesting.

  7. Lots of ideas to automate your current tasks.

Learn from Google or from this Course?

I've been there. I first learnt VBA from Google.

It was truly a light-bulb moment, when I realized that Google has some answers - it could give me some of the code I was looking for - but there two things missing:

  1. The WHY - why does the code work in one situation but not another.

  2. Structure - topic sequence, real-case examples, workbooks, documentation.

Don’t waste your time

Don't waste your time on poor quality videos and confusing explanations. In this Excel VBA course, complex topics are taught in a simple way by an instructor with 17 years of experience. The content has been carefully crafted and clearly organized. The videos are high quality and include animations to emphasize points. Most importantly you learn VBA by doing. 

"I have already tried some VBA classes but so far I was never able to apply what I learnt to my own work. This course is different. I have already used some of the techniques Leila is teaching and applied it to my work files. I was able to reduce manual work for me and my colleagues by creating my own macros from scratch. Highly recommended. " Randy Taylor

"Leila is the real deal... there are many VBA courses on Udemy (some of which I've taken) that merely demonstrate the functionalities. Leila explains the important foundation concepts and how the model is set up allowing you to truly create VBA code from thought rather than copying and pasting from various places. Her class is professionally constructed, with resources and content for each lecture, practice content for you to try things yourself and good Q&A opportunities to answer specific questions. Trust me, this is the course you want to take."  Justin Fazzio

What you can look forward to in this course:

  • Understand how to use the right syntax in VBA

  • Useful Excel VBA codes you can directly use for your work

  • Use the macro recorder for simpler tasks and improve the code

  • Working with the Visual Basic Editor

  • Debugging tools and error handling methods

  • Different ways to reference ranges and cells

  • Different methods to loop

  • How to work with data types

  • PivotTables in Excel using VBA

  • Importing data from other files and exporting data to text files

  • Interacting with other applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

  • ActiveX and Userforms to enhance the Excel interface

  • Basically all the knowledge you need to automate tasks in Excel

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Enhance your current excel files & automate your work with vba.
  • Master excel vba & macros
  • Directly apply the excel vba example files included to your own work.
  • Reduce manual routine tasks to the click of a button.
  • Make your work-life easier.
  • Create simple solutions to complex problems by levering excel functionality with macros.
  • Formulas & excel core functionality can't do everything. use vba when you reach a limitation.
  • Easily adjust vba code you find online to fit your purpose.

Syllabus

Introduction & Scope

Check out what is included in the course and what you can do with Visual Basic in Microsoft Excel. You'll find examples to Excel tools you can create using VBA. 

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Important Compatibility & Setup Information
Course Resources: Download Course Project Files
Course Expectations
Course Outline for Quick Reference
Become Familiar with Macros and Visual Basic Editor (VBE)
Overview: Macros & Visual Basic Editor (VBE)
Steps to Your First Macro Recording
Visual Basic Editor: What You Need to Know
Project: Dynamic Cell Selection (Special Cells) - Perfect for Flexible Macros
Project: Copy (Consolidate) Data - Absolute versus Relative Macro Recording
7 Ways to Run Macros / VBA code (incl. creative & modern buttons)
OFFICE 365 Update: Change from Excel Comments to Notes
Activity: Record a Macro that Deletes all Comments
What's the Difference Between Macros and VBA?

Please fill out the following 4 questions to ensure you're ready to enter the next section.

Understanding the Object model (the dot in VBA)

To become an expert in Excel VBA, it's important to fully understand the Object Model. This way you'd be able to write the correct VBA syntax for your Excel projects (without guessing!). Selecting the wrong combination of objects, properties and methods will result in errors in your code.

Writing VBA code is all about manipulating objects on the screen. These objects have code words for easier reference. This code can be found in the VBA reference library. In this lecture you'll learn how to use the Excel VBA reference library so you can find the correct code for your Excel macro.

In this lecture we cover a few essential Excel VBA concepts including what a sub and function procedures are and what the different color codes mean. We also learn some useful shortcuts we can use the VBA editor.

In this lecture we get into the setup of the object model. VBA syntax is object first, then action. Objects can also have relationships with other objects - you need to be aware of the object hierarchy. It gets really interesting and fun.

In this lecture you learn all about Excel VBA object properties and what these are. 

When you start to learn Excel VBA, it's important to understand what methods are and how you can use them together with objects to automate tasks.

VBA syntax is not easy to remember. How do you find the correct object, property or method that you need for your code? 

Make sure you answer these before moving on to the next section.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways & Message from Me
How to best refer to ranges (for example Excel VBA cells function), workbooks and worksheets.
Overview: Referencing Ranges, Worksheets & Workbooks

This lecture is a complete guide that teaches you how to refer and write to a range or to cells in Excel VBA. You'll learn how to change a cells value with VBA by using range and the cells property, the offset property. You'll also learn how to refer to different ranges in one statement, how to select a row or a column with VBA and how the used range property works.

Most Useful Range Properties & Methods

Find out how find the last empty row or the last empty column using different methods. Some work also with blank cells inside the data set. We take a look at using the end property of the range object. Then the current region property and the used range property of the worksheet object. We also take a look at using SpecialCells method to find the last used cell in the worksheet.

Copying & resizing a variably sized range
Properly Referencing Worksheets
Properly Referencing Workbooks
Activity: Save a Hard-coded Copy of Workbook
Project: Save Hard-coded Copy & Macro-free version of workbook
Key Takeaways for Referencing Ranges
Understanding Variables & Data Types
Overview: Role of Assignment & Variables
Data Types for Better Performance
Declaring Variables, Arrays & Constants (Role of Option Explicit)
Using Object Variables (Set statement)
Scoping Variables
Activity: Revisit Hard-coded Workbook Project & Use Variable Assignment
Test Your Knowledge on Variables and data types
Key Takeaways for Working with Variables
Learn to Work with Collections and Make Conditional Decisions
Overview: Why Collections are a VBA Essential
With & End With for Easier Code Writing
For Each to Loop Through Collections (sheets, ranges etc.) in one go
IF Then (Else, ElseIF) for Conditional Outcomes
Select Case as Alternative for Many IF Statements
Goto Statement to Change Program Flow
Activity: Get the Number of Formulas on the worksheet
Project: Get the Number of Formulas on the Worksheet

Learn 3 ways how you can unhide all Excel tabs in one go. You can also apply this to all macro-free Excel Workbooks.

Key Takeaways for Collections & Decision Making in VBA
Useful Built-in Functions
Overview: VBA versus Worksheet Functions
Most Useful VBA Functions
Message Box (also with Yes, No buttons)
Input Box (VBA InputBox Function)
Input Box that can Select Ranges (Excel InputBox Method)
Activity: Show Top 3 Values in a Message Box Based on Range Selected
Project: Show Top 3 Values in a Message box based on Range Selected
Key Takeaways Built-in Functions
Learn to Debug code, Handle Errors & use Sub Procedures effectively
Overview: Debugging, Handling Errors & Procedure Scope
Debugging Options: Watch, Locals, Immediate Windows & More
Error Handling: Different Methods
Faster Code by Suppressing Pop-ups & Flickering Screen
Procedure Scope & Running one Sub from Another
Passing Arguments to Sub Procedures (By Ref, By Val)
Activity: Get the Total Number of Formulas (or Comments) Used in a Workbook
Project: Get the Total Number of Formulas (or Comments) Used in a Workbook
Key Takeaways Debugging, Error Handling & Course Map Status
Automatically create Table of Contents for ANY of your Excel Workbooks
Project overview: Table of Contents (TOC) with one click
TOC Project: The Basics
TOC Project: Adding Hyperlinks
TOC Project: Testing the VBA Code
TOC Project: Adding Error Handling & More Checks
TOC Project: Adding to Personal Macro Workbook (Make it Available to all Files)
First Milestone Completed!
Looping in VBA (Controlling the Flow of Code)
Section Overview: Looping in VBA
For Next Counter Loops (Simple Example)
For Next Nested Loop (Loop through Text & Cells)
For Next Reverse Loop (Delete Filtered/Hidden Rows)
Do Until & Do While Loop
Practical Example of Do Loop (with Inputbox)
Find Method for Quicker Lookup Results
Find Method with Do Loop - Multiple Matches
Add a Timer to Test & Speech to Inform
Activity: Document all Comments in Workbook in a Sheet
Project: Document all Comments in Workbook in a Sheet
Useful VBA Statements & Key takeaways for Looping in VBA
Working with Arrays

Learn how to use arrays in Excel VBA. 

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches how to enhance Excel files and automate work with VBA
Develops proficiency in Excel VBA and Macros
Provides example files that learners can directly apply to their own work
Empowers learners to automate routine tasks with the click of a button
Facilitates the creation of simple solutions to complex problems by leveraging Excel functionality with Macros
Course may require learners to have some prior experience in Excel or programming

Save this course

Save Unlock Excel VBA and Excel Macros to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Unlock Excel VBA and Excel Macros with these activities:
Read VBA and Macros for Microsoft Excel
This book provides a comprehensive overview of VBA and Excel macros, including advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and error handling.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on important concepts.
  • Complete the practice exercises provided in the book.
  • Apply what you've learned to your own Excel projects.
Find a mentor who can help you with VBA
A mentor can provide guidance, support, and advice as you learn VBA.
Browse courses on Excel VBA
Show steps
  • Identify your learning goals and what you hope to gain from a mentor.
  • Network with people in your field and ask for recommendations.
  • Interview potential mentors and choose one who is a good fit for you.
Practice using VBA to automate common Excel tasks
Completing practice exercises will reinforce the syntax and techniques learned in the course.
Browse courses on VBA Syntax
Show steps
  • Choose a task you want to automate, such as formatting a table or generating a report.
  • Break down the task into smaller steps.
  • Write VBA code to perform each step.
  • Test your code and make any necessary adjustments.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a VBA workshop
A workshop can provide hands-on experience and allow you to ask questions to an expert.
Browse courses on Excel VBA
Show steps
  • Find a VBA workshop that fits your schedule and learning needs.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate.
  • Follow up after the workshop by practicing what you've learned.
Create an Excel UserForm using VBA
UserForms can greatly enhance the user experience of your Excel applications.
Browse courses on Excel VBA
Show steps
  • Follow a tutorial on how to create a UserForm using VBA.
  • Create a UserForm for a specific task, such as collecting user input or displaying data.
  • Test your UserForm and make any necessary adjustments.
Create a complex VBA macro to automate a multi-step task
This activity will challenge you to apply your VBA skills to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Excel VBA
Show steps
  • Identify a multi-step task that you can automate using VBA.
  • Break down the task into smaller steps.
  • Write VBA code to perform each step.
  • Test your code and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Document your code so that others can understand and use it.
Create a blog post or article about VBA
This activity will allow you to share your knowledge of VBA with others and reinforce your own understanding.
Browse courses on Excel VBA
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and that you think would be helpful to others.
  • Write a blog post or article that is well-organized, informative, and engaging.
  • Publish your blog post or article and share it with others.
Mentor another student who is learning VBA
Mentoring others will help you to solidify your own understanding of VBA and to develop your communication and teaching skills.
Browse courses on Excel VBA
Show steps
  • Identify a student who is learning VBA and who could benefit from your help.
  • Meet with the student regularly to provide guidance and support.
  • Answer the student's questions and help them to overcome any challenges they are facing.

Career center

Learners who complete Unlock Excel VBA and Excel Macros will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts spend a significant amount of their time working with Excel and VBA, as the course teaches comprehensive Excel VBA and macros, it would be instrumental to this role.
Management Analyst
Management Analysts often use VBA and Macros to create custom solutions and automate tasks within an organization. The course will be extremely useful for learning about macros, as well as more advanced principles of VBA including setting up object models, working with object variables, and looping techniques.
Data Analyst
In order to maximize efficiency and optimize business decisions, Data Analysts need to have deep Excel skills, including VBA. Given that data analysis is a major component of the role, the course would also be indispensable to working with large quantities of data using VBA and Excel Macros.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. They use Excel VBA and macros to perform data analysis, visualization, and modeling. The course can be useful in providing a strong foundational knowledge of VBA and programming principles.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use advanced analytical techniques to solve complex business problems, often using VBA and Excel macros to automate tasks and improve efficiency. The course will provide a strong foundation in VBA, Macros, and other programming principles, which will be an advantage for those looking to enter this field.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. The course will be useful for learning about software engineering and programming, which would be a foundational skill in this field.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts are responsible for studying business needs and designing and implementing software systems to meet those needs. As such, they must have deep theoretical and practical knowledge of computer science, with a strong emphasis on modern programming practices such as those taught in the course. Someone looking to pivot into this field would benefit from the course as they will learn the fundamentals of computer science, including VBA, macros, and excel functions.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts are responsible for studying business needs and determining how technology can be used to improve and optimize those processes. As such, they must have deep theoretical and practical knowledge of computer science, with a strong emphasis on modern programming practices such as those taught in the course. Someone looking to pivot into this field would benefit from the course as they will learn the fundamentals of computer science, including VBA, macros, and excel functions.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for ensuring the quality of software products. To perform the role, it is essential to understand programming concepts, including coding in VBA. The course will be useful in providing such a foundation in both VBA and general programming principles.
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. The course can be useful in helping someone pivot into this career field, as it teaches programming concepts, including VBA coding and the software development life cycle.
IT Business Analyst
IT Business Analysts bridge the gap between business and IT teams, working to ensure alignment between business requirements and technical solutions. To do this role, it is necessary to have strong knowledge in both fields. The course would help build a foundation in programming, which would be helpful for understanding technical business requirements.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites. The course may be useful for someone looking to learn web development, as it will teach them VBA, as well as provide some foundational knowledge in programming, including debugging and error handling.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of database management systems. The course may be useful for someone in this role who is looking to expand their skills in programming and data management.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for overseeing and managing projects from start to finish. In this role, there may be a need to use VBA and Excel macros to plan, track, and report on project progress, as the course teaches project management principles, it may be useful.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. They may use VBA and Excel macros to automate tasks and improve efficiency, so the course may be useful for someone in this role who is looking to expand their skills.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Unlock Excel VBA and Excel Macros.
Comprehensive reference for Excel VBA developers. It covers all aspects of Excel VBA, from the basics to advanced topics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Excel VBA.
Comprehensive reference for Excel VBA developers. It covers all aspects of Excel VBA, from the basics to advanced topics. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Excel VBA.
Comprehensive guide to programming Microsoft Office applications in VBA. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of VBA to advanced techniques.
Guide to VBA programming in Excel for intermediate programmers. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of VBA to advanced techniques.
Practical guide to using VBA and macros in Excel. It provides step-by-step instructions for creating and using macros, and it also covers advanced topics such as object-oriented programming.
Comprehensive guide to developing Excel applications using VBA. It covers the basics of Excel VBA, as well as advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and data access.
Guide to VBA programming in Excel for beginners. It provides step-by-step instructions for creating and using macros.
Comprehensive guide to Excel VBA. It covers the basics of Excel VBA, and it good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about Excel VBA.
Beginner's guide to Excel VBA macros. It covers the basics of Excel VBA macros, and it good starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about Excel VBA macros.

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