Stop Writing VBA From Scratch! Use THIS Instead!

Discover Free VBA Libraries to Speed Up Excel Automation

Imagine needing to pull data from an API, transform it, and save results into multiple workbooks by the end of the day. You could write every helper from scratch, or you could reuse battle-tested tools that already solve common problems. That is exactly why exploring Free VBA Libraries can feel like finding a toolbox you did not know you had.

Why use Free VBA Libraries?

Starting VBA projects from zero has one big benefit: minimal dependencies. Old macros often keep working for years because they rely only on native features. But reinventing the wheel takes time and invites subtle bugs. Free VBA Libraries let you keep the stability of classic VBA while gaining productivity boosts for tasks like JSON parsing, HTTP requests, and file system handling.

Think about it this way: if Python users have Pandas and Requests to avoid low-level plumbing, VBA users should also reach for similar helpers when appropriate. Using Free VBA Libraries is not about abandoning simplicity, it is about leveraging community code where it matters.

Where to start

There is a curated collection of community modules and tools that groups these useful projects in one place. Browsing that collection will show categories such as user interface components, file utilities, web helpers, and development add-ins. It is the fastest way to find a library that does one thing well, so you can plug it into your project and move on to business logic.

Key libraries that I use almost every time

VBA-JSON – Parse and build JSON easily

APIs speak JSON more often than not. Instead of parsing text with string functions, add a lightweight JSON converter module to your project. It exposes an easy API to convert JSON strings into native VBA Collections and Dictionaries, and vice versa. Download the JSON converter module and import it into your workbook. That alone will make handling API responses far less error prone.

VBA-Web – Cross-platform HTTP requests and authentication

Making web requests in VBA can be a minefield when you need to support both Windows and macOS. That is where VBA-Web shines. It abstracts platform differences, handles authentication, and even bundles the VBA-JSON module so you do not have to wire everything manually. There is an installer, sample code, and examples to get you started fast.

VBA-FileTools – File system helpers that just work

Common file tasks like creating folders, copying files, and enumerating directories are tedious when you write them repeatedly. Importing a module that exposes functions such as CopyFile, CopyFolder, CreateFolder, GetFiles, and GetFolder reduces dozens of lines to a single call. Most functions are macOS compatible too. Here is the link to VBA FileTools.

How to add it in plain steps:

• Download the module from the source folder in the repository.
• Right-click the downloaded file, choose Properties, and click Unblock if Windows flagged it.
• Open the Visual Basic Editor in your workbook and use Import File to bring the module into the project.
• Call the helper functions directly from your code.

Developer comfort – make the editor less ancient

The built-in editor is functional but dated. A paid add-in (MZ Tools) can bridge some of that gap and add features that make development and debugging less painful. One popular tool adds things like auto-indentation, easier navigation, and the ability to insert line numbers before distribution.

Line numbers are surprisingly useful. When an error bubbles up, a message can include the exact line number where the problem occurred. That makes tracking down bugs in distributed projects much faster. For development, you may keep the code clean and readable; when shipping, add line numbers automatically before handing off your workbook. That small trick will save time when customers call asking “what went wrong”.

Wrap up

Using Free VBA Libraries is like switching from hand-tooled carpentry to using a set of power tools. You still design and control the build, but repetitive tasks become faster and less error prone. For JSON parsing, web requests, and file handling there is mature community code that will save you hours. A small investment of time to import and learn these modules will pay back many times over in productivity and reliability.

Happy VBA Coding! —Sven