Rename the Active Workbook Without Saving in Excel VBA

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When working in Excel VBA, you might find yourself needing to rename the active workbook without saving it. Whether it’s for customization purposes or to avoid unnecessary confusion for the user, this feature can be incredibly useful. By utilizing the appropriate code, you can streamline your workflow and provide a unique name for the workbook without requiring the user to save any changes.

In this article, we will explore different methods to rename an open workbook without the hassle of saving it separately. Whether you choose to use the Save As command, the Office Tab add-in, the SaveCopyAs command, or a combination of the SaveAs and Kill commands, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and discover the power of Excel VBA in renaming workbooks without the need to save!

Renaming an Opened Workbook with Save As Command.

One way to rename an opened workbook without closing it is by using the Save As command in Excel VBA. This method allows you to quickly rename the active workbook without the need to save it separately.

To rename an opened workbook using the Save As command:

1. Click on the “File” or “Office” button in Excel VBA.
2. Choose the “Save As” option to open the Save As dialog.
3. In the Save As dialog, enter a new name for the workbook in the “File name” textbox.
4. Click “Save” to rename the workbook.

By following these steps, you can rename the active workbook with ease, without having to save it separately. This can be particularly useful when you want to provide a custom name for the workbook without disrupting your workflow.

Differences between Renaming and Saving a Workbook with Save As Command

Renaming an Opened Workbook with Office Tab.

Another convenient option for renaming an opened workbook without closing it is by using a helpful add-in called Office Tab. This versatile add-in allows you to view and edit multiple open workbooks within a single tabbed window, making it easier to manage your Excel projects efficiently.

With Office Tab, you can effortlessly rename a workbook without the need to save it separately. Here’s how:

1. Start by right-clicking on the tab name of the workbook you wish to rename. A context menu will appear.
2. Select the “Rename” option from the context menu. This will open the Office Tab dialog box.
3. Within the Office Tab dialog box, simply enter the desired new name for the workbook.
4. Click on the “OK” button to apply the new name and rename the workbook.

By following these simple steps, you can quickly rename the active workbook using Office Tab’s user-friendly interface. This method eliminates the need to save the workbook separately, saving you time and effort in your Excel VBA projects.

The Benefits of Renaming Workbooks with Office Tab

Experience the benefits of utilizing Office Tab when working with Excel VBA. This add-in enhances your productivity and simplifies the process of renaming opened workbooks, providing a seamless user experience.

Renaming Workbook with SaveCopyAs Command.

If you are comfortable saving the workbook as a separate file with a new name, you can leverage the SaveCopyAs command in Excel VBA. This command enables you to create a copy of the active workbook with a different name while keeping the original workbook open. You have the freedom to either close the original workbook if it’s no longer needed or continue working with the newly saved copy. The SaveCopyAs command offers flexibility in renaming the workbook without any limitations imposed by the read-only property.

Here’s how you can use the SaveCopyAs command:

1. Open the Excel VBA editor by pressing Alt + F11.
2. Include the following code snippet:

ActiveWorkbook.SaveCopyAs "C:\Path\To\NewWorkbookName.xlsx"

• Replace C:\Path\To\NewWorkbookName.xlsx with the desired file path and new name for the workbook.
• Press F5 to execute the code and save a copy of the Workbook with the new name.

By employing the SaveCopyAs command, you can conveniently rename the active workbook while maintaining the original version for future reference or further modifications.

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Renaming Workbook with SaveAs and Kill Commands.

If you need to rename a workbook in Excel VBA without saving it as a separate file, you can utilize the power of the SaveAs and Kill commands. With this combination, you can rename the active workbook by saving it with a new name using the SaveAs command, and then use the Kill command to delete the original file. This method allows you to efficiently rename the workbook without the need to save it separately, while also removing the original file from the directory.

By using the SaveAs command, you can specify the new name for the workbook and choose the desired format. For example, you can save it as a .xlsx or .csv file. Once the SaveAs command is executed, the workbook is renamed with the specified name, and any subsequent changes will be saved under the new name.

After renaming the workbook, the Kill command can be used to delete the original file. This ensures that there are no duplicate or unnecessary files in the directory, freeing up space and keeping your files organized. It is important to note that the Kill command permanently deletes the file, so make sure to double-check before executing this command.

Vaishvi Desai

Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.