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How to Download VBA Support Library for Office (A Detailed Guide)

November 1, 2023
11.1K Views

VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is a programming language that can be used to automate tasks in Office applications. If you want to create and run macros in Office, you need to install the VBA Support Library. This article will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to download and install the VBA Support Library.

Part 1: What is the VBA: Definition and Uses?

VBA on spreadsheet


VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is a powerful tool that enhances your productivity within WPS Office. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit you? We'll explain its definition and uses, setting the stage for your VBA journey.

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is a programming language that is integrated into Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. It allows users to automate tasks, create custom functions, and develop add-ins.

VBA is a powerful tool that can be used to do many things, such as:

  • Automate repetitive tasks

  • Create custom functions

  • Develop add-ins

  • Create macros

  • Access the Windows API

Here are some additional benefits of using VBA:

  • VBA can save you time by automating tasks that you would otherwise have to do manually.

  • VBA can help you to improve the accuracy of your work by reducing the risk of human error.

  • VBA can help you to create more complex and sophisticated spreadsheets and office applications.

If you are a regular user of Microsoft Office applications, I encourage you to learn VBA. It is a powerful tool that can help you to be more productive and efficient.

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Part 2: What is the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using VBA?

VBA has many advantages, but it also has some disadvantages. Here is a brief comparison of the two:

Advantages

  • Automate repetitive tasks: VBA can be used to automate repetitive tasks, which can save you a lot of time. For example, you could create a macro that automatically sorts a list of data or generates a report.

Automate repetitive task


  • Create custom functions: VBA can be used to create custom functions, which can extend the functionality of Excel. For example, you could create a function that calculates the Fibonacci sequence or the factorial of a number.

Custom function for Sheets


  • Develop add-insVBA can be used to develop add-ins, which are additional tools that can be added to Excel. Add-ins can be used to add new features or functionality to Excel.

create VBA add in


  • Create macros: VBA can be used to create macros, which are a series of instructions that can be run automatically. Macros can be used to automate tasks or to perform complex calculations.

macro on Sheets


  • Access the Windows API: VBA can be used to access the Windows API, which allows you to control other Windows applications from within Excel.

Disadvantages

  • Requires programming knowledge: VBA is a programming language, so it requires some programming knowledge to use. If you are not familiar with programming, you may find it difficult to learn VBA.

  • Can be complex: VBA code can be complex and difficult to maintain. If you are not careful, your VBA code can become spaghetti code, which is difficult to read and understand.

  • Can be insecure: VBA macros can be used to spread malware or execute malicious code. If you are not careful, your VBA macros could be used to harm your computer or network.

VBA can be used to help with a variety of tasks in daily work, such as:

  • Automating data entry

  • Generating reports

  • Creating custom forms

  • Developing calculations

  • Integrating with other applications

If you are looking for a way to save time and automate tasks in your daily work, VBA is a powerful tool that can help you. However, it is important to be aware of the disadvantages of VBA before you start using it.

Part 3: How to use VBA in Microsoft Office?    

To utilize the VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) functionality in Microsoft Office, follow these steps:

To use the VBA Support Library, you need to enable the Developer tab in the ribbon. The Developer tab is a hidden tab

1. Enable Developer Options:

  • Open the Office application (e.g. Word, Excel).

  • Go to the "File" tab.

  • Select "Options."

  • In the pop-up window, choose "Customize Ribbon."

  • On the right side, find and check "Developer" in the list of main tabs.

  • Click "OK" to save changes.

2. Open the VBA Editor:

  • On the "Developer" tab, click "Visual Basic," or press Alt + F11.

3. Create or Edit Macros:

  • In the VBA editor, you can create a new macro or edit an existing one.

  • To create a new macro, right-click on "VBAProject" in the project explorer (associated with an Office document) and choose "Insert" > "Module."

  • Write your VBA code in the module.

4. Run the Macro:

  • In the VBA editor, run your macro by pressing F5 or selecting "Run" > "Run Sub/UserForm."

It's important to note that you don't need to download any additional software to use VBA; it is typically included as part of the Microsoft Office suite and is pre-installed on your computer. Ensure that your Office version supports VBA functionality.

Keep in mind that VBA allows code execution, so only run macros from trusted sources to ensure system security. Exercise caution when dealing with documents from untrusted sources while using VBA.


Part 4: Where can I download VBA support libraries?

Generally, VBA support libraries come installed with the corresponding development tools or applications rather than being available as separate downloads. Here are ways to obtain common VBA support libraries:

1. Microsoft Office:

  • For users of Microsoft Office, VBA libraries are typically installed along with Office. Ensure that your Office version is one that supports VBA. If you encounter missing libraries or the need for updates, you can do so through official Office channels.

2. Windows API:

  • Libraries related to the Windows API are usually provided with the Windows operating system. If you need to use a specific feature of the Windows API, there's generally no need to download libraries separately; you just need to correctly declare and use them in your VBA code.

3. Third-party Libraries:

  • Occasionally, developers and organizations create and share third-party libraries specifically for VBA. You can find and download these libraries through online communities, developer forums, GitHub, and similar platforms. Ensure that you obtain these libraries from trusted sources.

When working with VBA, you typically don't need to download additional libraries unless your development environment lacks specific functionalities or you wish to use third-party libraries. In such cases, ensure you acquire these libraries from official and trustworthy sources to avoid potential security issues.

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FAQs

A. Can I use the VBA function in WPS Office?

Unfortunately, WPS Office no longer supports the use of VBA. The Developer tab will only be visible if your computer has MSO (Microsoft Office) installed with a VBA environment.

B. Which version of MSO supports VBA?

All versions of Microsoft Office, especially desktop versions (as opposed to online versions), support VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This includes Microsoft Office 2019, Office 2016, Office 2013, and earlier versions. VBA is a powerful tool for automating tasks and customizing Office applications.


C. Are there other office software that supports VBA?

VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is typically closely associated with the Microsoft Office suite and is a part of it. Besides Microsoft Office, other office software generally does not directly support VBA. However, some office software may offer script languages or macro functionalities similar to VBA for automating tasks and customization. Here are some examples of software with similar functionalities:

1. LibreOffice:

  • LibreOffice provides a macro language based on Python for automating tasks and extending functionalities.

2. Apache OpenOffice:

  • Similar to LibreOffice, Apache OpenOffice also supports a macro language based on Python.

3. Google Workspace:

  • Google Sheets and Google Docs support Google Apps Script, which is a JavaScript scripting language for creating custom functionalities.

Please note that the script languages in these tools may differ from VBA, and using them requires an understanding of their respective syntax and capabilities. If VBA is crucial for you, it is still advisable to use Microsoft Office or other software directly supporting VBA.

D. How do I seek support if I face technical issues with VBA in WPS Office?

Here are the ways to seek support for VBA issues in Microsoft Office in a simpler way:

Step 1Contact MS Office customer support.

Step 2Search the MS Office forums.

Step 3Read the MS Office documentation.

Step 4Watch tutorials on YouTube.

Step 5.Hire a VBA developer.

Trustpilotstars4.8
WPS Office- Free All-in-One Office Suite
  • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

  • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

  • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

  • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

5,820,008 User
avator
Algirdas Jasaitis
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Summary

In this article, we have introduced the VBA function of Microsoft Office. However, it is important to note that there are other VBA support libraries available for Office suite. If you are using a different office suite, you will need to download the VBA support library for that suite. VBA is a powerful tool that can be used to automate tasks and create macros in office applications. If you are looking for ways to save time and improve your productivity, VBA is a great option to consider.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.