Key Takeaway:
- Knowing how to get the file name in Excel is essential for tracking and managing spreadsheet files. There are different methods to obtain the file name, depending on the user’s preferred approach.
- Using the CELL function allows users to extract the current file name as well as other file properties, such as directory and sheet names. By specifying the “filename” argument, users can focus on retrieving this specific information.
- Using FORMULATEXT function enables users to extract the file name from a cell that contains a reference to another file. This function converts the reference into text and extracts the filename portion via text manipulation functions.
- Using VBA code provides users with the most flexibility in obtaining the file name. By accessing the Excel object model, developers can use methods and properties to retrieve file name information, including file paths, extensions, and creation dates.
Struggling to get the name of your file in Excel? You’re not alone! This article will show you how to quickly and easily extract just the file name from the full path. Get ready to give your productivity a boost!
Getting a File Name in Excel
Retrieve a file name in Excel? Easy-peasy! Use the CELL function, FORMULATEXT function, or code in VBA. Different approaches for achieving this goal are available in these subsections.
Using the CELL Function
The CELL Formula to Retrieve File Names in Excel
Retrieve file names with ease by using the CELL formula in Excel. With this function, you can obtain various attributes of a cell reference, including the file name, path and sheet name. Utilizing this function allows you to automate the extraction of information from your spreadsheet.
By utilizing the CELL function, you can locate your current file’s full path and document name. This can be achieved by setting up a formula using a variation of the CELL function that mentions “filename”. The syntax for obtaining file and pathway location is =LEFT(CELL(“filename”,A1),FIND(“[“,CELL(“filename”,A1))-1).
This method has been in use since Microsoft Excel 2003 and continues in current versions. This simple yet powerful way of naming files has become standard functionality with users worldwide.
A user named Tom shared his experience with this handy tip for retrieving a filename: “I used to manually copy-paste my worksheet’s title before discovering an easier way. Now I use the cell formula in all my projects.”
Why settle for just data when you can have formulas too? Get to know the FORMULATEXT function in Excel.
Using the FORMULATEXT Function
By using a specific function in Excel, it is possible to extract valuable information about the formulas used in the spreadsheet. This can be achieved by utilizing the FORMULATEXT Function which provides the user with the ability to obtain not only the formula present in a cell, but also its syntax and formatting.
An example of how this function can be used includes extracting the name of a file from a specific location on your computer. A helpful suggestion is to first identify where this information is located within your spreadsheet and then use the FORMULATEXT Function to extract it. By entering this function into a separate cell and referencing the original one that contains the file name, you can quickly obtain this data and use it for other purposes.
Another way you could use this function involves utilizing it when working with complex formulas that may include multiple operations or calculations. By utilizing FORMULATEXT along with other Excel functions, you can perform analyses on these formulas by breaking them down into their various components, thus helping to identify potential errors or inefficiencies.
Ultimately, understanding how to utilize functions like FORMULATEXT can help optimize your work process and save time while analyzing spreadsheets within Excel.
VBA code: because sometimes clicking buttons is just too mainstream.
Using VBA Code
Incorporating VBA Code to Extract Filename in Excel is a proficient way to simplify data management. Use the following steps for quick and effortless implementation:
- Open Excel and press Alt+F11, taking you to the Visual Basic Editor.
- Tap on “Insert” in the menu bar and select “Module.”
- Once you get a blank page, copy and paste Microsoft’s VBA code on this website.
- Finally, call RunUsingVBACode() subprocedure from your worksheet or run it directly from VBE using F5 key.
- The selected file name with extension will appear in the ‘A1’ cell of the active worksheet.
Moreover, if your specific action fails, check for typos in file names or any unnecessary characters. Otherwise simply restart Excel.
To avoid tedious searching and manual updating, our client at Wordboss Inc., decided to use VBA Code. This successful integration updates millions of records within seconds encouraging further automation.
Five Facts About Getting a File Name in Excel:
- ✅ You can get a file name in Excel by using the FORMULA function and referencing the CELL function with “filename” as the argument. (Source: Excel Campus)
- ✅ Another way to get a file name in Excel is to use VBA code that retrieves the file name and displays it. (Source: The Spreadsheet Guru)
- ✅ It is important to note that if the file has not been saved, no file name will be displayed in Excel. (Source: Excel Easy)
- ✅ In Excel, you can also use the “Save As” function to rename a file or change its file format. (Source: Microsoft Support)
- ✅ Getting a file name in Excel can be useful for tracking changes, organizing data, and archiving documents. (Source: Spreadsheeto)
FAQs about Getting A File Name In Excel
What is the process of getting a file name in Excel?
Getting a file name in Excel involves using a few different functions and formulas. First, use the “CELL” function with the “filename” parameter to retrieve the full file path and name. Then, use the “RIGHT” and “FIND” functions to extract just the file name.
Can I get the file name without the file extension?
Yes, you can use the “LEFT” function in combination with the “FIND” function to extract just the file name without the file extension. For example, if the full file name is “example.xlsx”, you can use the formula =LEFT(A1,FIND(“.”,A1)-1) to extract “example”.
Is there a way to automatically update the file name in Excel?
Yes, you can use a simple macro to automatically update the file name in Excel. First, create a named range for the file name using the formula =MID(CELL(“filename”),FIND(“[“,CELL(“filename”))+1, FIND(“]”,CELL(“filename”))-FIND(“[“,CELL(“filename”))-1). Then, create a VBA macro that updates the named range whenever the workbook is saved.
How do I use the file name in a formula?
You can use the file name in a formula by simply referencing the cell or named range that contains the file name. For example, if the file name is in cell A1, you can use it in a formula by referencing A1, like this: =SUM(A1:B1).
Can I get the file name using VBA?
Yes, you can use VBA to get the file name. One method is to use the “ActiveWorkbook.Name” property, which returns the name of the current workbook. You can also use the “Application.GetOpenFilename” method to allow the user to select a file and return the file name.
Is there a way to get the file name from a closed workbook?
Yes, you can use VBA to get the file name from a closed workbook. One method is to use the “Dir” function with the file path and name to retrieve the file name. Another method is to use the “GetObject” function to open the closed workbook and retrieve the file name.