3 Ways to Select All Sheets in Excel VBA

When working with Microsoft Excel, especially on tasks that involve multiple sheets, efficiency is key. Automating repetitive tasks using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) can save significant time, but knowing how to select all sheets at once can be particularly useful. Here, we will explore three methods to select all sheets in Excel using VBA, making your workflow more streamlined and less prone to errors.

Method 1: Using the “For Each” Loop

This method involves looping through all sheets in the workbook to select them one by one.

Sub SelectAllSheetsUsingLoop()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    
    'Loop through each worksheet
    For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
        ws.Select Replace:=False
    Next ws
End Sub

📝 Note: Replace:=False ensures that sheets are added to the selection rather than replacing the current selection.

Method 2: Using Array and Shift Key Simulation

Instead of looping, you can simulate the Shift key press in VBA to select all sheets instantly.

Sub SelectAllSheetsUsingArray()
    Dim wsArray() As String
    ReDim wsArray(1 To ThisWorkbook.Worksheets.Count)
    
    'Store all sheet names in array
    For i = 1 To ThisWorkbook.Worksheets.Count
        wsArray(i) = ThisWorkbook.Worksheets(i).Name
    Next i
    
    'Select all sheets
    Sheets(wsArray).Select
End Sub

Method 3: Using the SendKeys Method

SendKeys can simulate keyboard shortcuts, which makes selecting all sheets as simple as pressing the Ctrl + Shift + * key combination.

Sub SelectAllSheetsUsingSendKeys()
    Application.SendKeys "^%{*}", True
    DoEvents 'Wait for the operation to complete
End Sub

This method requires you to be on any worksheet tab to work correctly.

The "SendKeys" method might not work in all environments due to various reasons like different language settings or conflicts with other running applications, so test it thoroughly before using it in production.

How to Choose the Right Method

• Use the “For Each” Loop Method if you want a straightforward approach where you have control over each sheet’s selection.
• Use the Array and Shift Key Simulation if you need to avoid any looping or prefer handling sheets collectively.
• Use the SendKeys Method for a quick one-line solution, although be cautious of its limitations and potential for errors due to keyboard shortcut conflicts.

💡 Note: Each method has its own use-case scenarios. Consider the specific requirements of your project or task when selecting the method.

Each of these methods offers a different level of complexity and potential pitfalls. However, understanding these approaches can significantly improve your Excel VBA coding skills and efficiency in managing workbooks with multiple sheets. Not only does this save time, but it also reduces the likelihood of human error when manually selecting sheets one by one.

Why would I need to select all sheets in Excel VBA?

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Selecting all sheets can be useful for operations that need to be applied uniformly across a workbook, like formatting, data consolidation, or printing.

Can these VBA scripts work in all versions of Excel?

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Yes, these scripts should work in all recent versions of Excel that support VBA, but always ensure compatibility by testing in your specific version.

What are the risks of using SendKeys?

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The SendKeys method sends keystrokes to whatever application is active, which might not always be Excel, potentially causing unintended actions.