Personal Macro Workbook

Author

Chuck Horgan

Published

June 21, 2022

Overview

Sometimes we find we are copying modules between workbooks just to use a few macros in them. It may be more efficient to store your custom macros in one place. Note, however, that this may not be the best solution for collaboration. If another team member will be using the same macros upon opening the workbook, then it is not a good idea to store them in a personal location.

Process

  • Create the Personal workbook.

    • Open Developer tab.

    • Click “Record Macro”.

    • Don’t worry about naming the macro; it will be temporary.

    • In “Store macro in” box, select “Personal Macro Workbook”.

    • Click “OK”.

  • The PERSONAL.xlsb file will now be created in the XLSTART folder.

  • To use common macros, copy them to modules within the PERSONAL.xlsb file. It will be launched each time Excel opens.

Sharing PERSONAL.xlsb files

  • Find your XLSTART path.

    • Open Developer tab.

    • Click on “Visual Basic”.

    • Hit Ctrl + g to bring up the Immediate window.

    • Type ? application.StartupPath and press enter.

  • Copy other PERSONAL.xlsb files into that path, and they will be available for use the next time Excel is launched.

Resources

https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/microsoft-office/quick-tip-find-excels-xlstart-folder-fast/

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-and-save-all-your-macros-in-a-single-workbook-66c97ab3-11c2-44db-b021-ae005a9bc790