Vba dir vs dir. I am attempting to loop through files using Dir.

Vba dir vs dir You might consider editing your question so it reflects what you meant to ask that way, the answer will make more sense for people who don't read the comments. May 11, 2016 · In preference to FSO I would use (VBA methods) Dir, FileCopy and Kill, only using FSO where necessary. In the loop, I will need: the filename, and the date at which the file was formatted. Then I use a Custom List to sort Col A with a (fake) numeric sort so I can process my jpg's in serial Jun 26, 2022 · I'm running VBA in Word 2016 on Windows 10. In this tutorial, I will show you how to use VBA FileSystemObject (FSO) to work with files and folders on your system or network drives. The Dir function matches files / directories Learn how to write a simple Excel VBA macro that will check if a folder exists already. Open the Microsoft Access VBA Window and then display the Debug Window (Ctrl+G). 2 days ago · How to Use the VBA DIR Function in Excel (7 Practical Examples) Excel’s VBA environment offers a vast array of functions that streamline data management tasks, automate processes, and enhance productivity. Dec 23, 2015 · The VBA Dir function is crucial to exploring any file system with the use of VBA – whether in Excel or other MS Office applications. Print Jun 6, 2012 · I'm having trouble getting a loop involving the Dir (filepath, vbDirectory) to work cleanly. If no drive is specified, ChDir changes the default directory or folder on the current drive. You can find out which directory is current by using the following syntax: MyDir = CurDir When this line is executed, MyDir (a string) will be equal to the full path of the current directory. " and ". I've had issues with FSO and network directories sometimes running very slowly (hours rather than minutes) so I've found it's a lot quicker to use Dir. To do this, I have specified "vbDirectory" in the function call. It all works perfectly on my local drive, but opening, ch Sep 24, 2023 · The VBA Dir function is a built-in function in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications that returns the name of a file, folder, or directory that matches a specified pattern. The FileSystem gives you better productivity and performance in file I/O operations than the Dir function. I read the microsoft documentation Jul 21, 2021 · I am trying to have a user file selection box automatically open up to a directory. In the following tutorial let us see an example macro code. e. Apr 17, 2019 · I have been building a macro to loop through a series of files in a folder and with each one copy and paste data into a series of other sheets in another folder. Sep 29, 2017 · This code: strDirName = Dir(strParentFolder, vbDirectory) Do Until strDirName = "" returns files as well folders. In this case, the passed pathName value must end with a path separator (\), as matching filenames will cause false positives. For example, the following statement returns the name of Oct 13, 2022 · In this post, we have seen 6 methods to loop through files in a folder with VBA. Feb 15, 2018 · Excel VBA using DIR function with wildcard and values from cell Asked 7 years, 8 months ago Modified 7 years, 8 months ago Viewed 10k times Sep 13, 2021 · The ChDir statement changes the default directory or folder but does not change the default drive. The VBA DIR function is also known as the directory function. I have written the following, but as expected, the loop is endless as it opens and closes the first file in the folder. Example 2 - List All Files and Directories The following VBA code uses the Dir function to list all the files and directories within "C:\". Jun 7, 2011 · I thought the DIR function would return a null string if it could not find the file or directory. Based on your last comment, I have provided code that will tell you if a file exists regardless of depth in the directory structure. In Excel 11, I use Dir (as described in the question) to create a list of jpg files from each folder (one folder at a time), sorted alpha-numeric in Col A. In your code, you started first a search with wildcards and then a second search with a fixed filename. My question relates to how Dir returns results and if there are any guarantees on the order of results. g. txt" or whatever. This page discusses them, and also the errors that may occur. It should only return folders. And also see the step by step instructions to run vba code in the visual basic editor (VBE) window. Then I could use another Dir () set in each folder path and collect another array of filenames. These are ChDir, ChDrive, CurDir, Dir, FileAttr, FileCopy, FileDateTime, FileLen, GetAttr, Kill, MkDir, Name, RmDir, SetAttr etc. The code then sends the pdf as an email via outlook. xls lists every folder, subfolder and file except for system files on a worksheet. Jun 18, 2013 · 1 So basically the intent is the use a VBA dir function in a directory, get the file names in that directory, but avoid/filter out getting a certain extension. " results for the old DOS shortcut to current and parent directory. Here we discuss how to use DIR Function in Excel VBA along with some practical examples and downloadable excel template. In my case, it returns "bad file name or number. The `CurDir` Die `Dir`-Funktion in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) wird verwendet, um Dateinamen oder Verzeichnisnamen in einem bestimmten Pfad zu suchen und zurückzugeben. I can ignore those results just fine, but either I get caught in an infinite loop or get kicked out of the loop because the function won't move past this result. Because the Macintosh doesn't support the wildcards, use the file type to identify groups of files. Any helps is greatly appreciated. Understanding the current directory, which is the default directory where your VBA application operates, is crucial for handling files and folders. La fonction `Dir` en VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) est utilisée pour obtenir le nom d’un fichier, d’un répertoire ou d’un ensemble de fichiers et de répertoires qui correspondent à un chemin spécifié. Jan 15, 2008 · Points 18,950 Trophies 1 Posts 9,223 January 2, 2013 #5 Re: Dir$ () VS Dir () divansatanica, Welcome to Ozgrid. )). May 20, 2017 · Trying to get VBA to run dir in command prompt using a shell command: Call Shell("Dir \\rtserver\controlleddocuments\""incoming reports""\" & Left(cmbComponent. Jun 3, 2025 · FileSystemObject（FSO）を使った方が便利なケース集 VBAでは Dir関数 でも基本的なファイルやフォルダの操作はできる。 でも、「もう少し柔軟に」「もう少し正確に」ファイル操作したい場面になると、 FileSystemObject（FSO） の方が圧倒的に便利になることがあるよ ファイルやフォルダの詳細情報 Mar 30, 2022 · VBA language referenceReturns True if a specified folder exists; False if it does not. My code looks like 3 Dir () returns the result as the variant data type. For instance, you may want to change the current directory in the middle of a macro. Dec 22, 2016 · It is the directory that was most recently navigated to in the Open or Save dialogs, or set through VBA. Jul 31, 2018 · Using Dir Function, Minimize reliance on FileSystemObject The idea here is to use the Dir function first to get a list of all file names that contain the "HR" substring, and only use the FileSystemObject against those files to get the timestamp information -- there's no use incurring the overhead of FSO on every file in that directory. VBA provides the ChDir command to change We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Always post your questions in a new thread and, if it helps clarify your needs, include a link to any other thread. Jun 27, 2018 · fileName = Dir(directory & "*. Jun 1, 2022 · VBA language referenceIn Microsoft Windows and macOS, Dir supports the use of multiple character (*) and single character (?) wildcards to specify multiple files. Path or Workbook. How to use the Dir function to loop through subfolders in a folder Guide to VBA DIR Function. We will try the Dir () Function from the Debug Window directly, so that it is easy to understand how to use this function to get a few file names from a folder one after the other. The software can be downloaded here. The image on the right shows the Code VBA add-in menu for managing files. If Dir("C:\2013 Recieved Schedules" & "\" & client, vbDirectory) = "" Then Note that, with vbDirectory, Dir will return a non-empty string if the specified path already exists as a directory or as a file (provided the file doesn't have any of the read-only, hidden, or system attributes). s what other attributes can you use for Dir? eg what do u mean by folder contents? Click to expand I cycle through one Dir () set looking at folders and assign those directory locations to a variable. But that is obviously just for grabbing file names. Dir, Dir$ Functions Named Arguments No Syntax Dir [ (pathname [, attributes])] pathname Use: Optional Data Type: String A string expression that defines a path that may contain a drive - Selection from VB & VBA in a Nutshell: The Language [Book] Jan 15, 2008 · Points 18,950 Trophies 1 Posts 9,223 January 2, 2013 #5 Re: Dir$ () VS Dir () divansatanica, Welcome to Ozgrid. It's particularly useful in scenarios where you need to list or manipulate files that match a certain pattern or criteria. Dir Syntax In the VBA Editor, you can type … May 20, 2024 · Dir関数は1回目にワイルドカード付きのパスを指定し、2回目以降は引数なしでファイルの一覧を取得する関数です。使い方を誤りますと思い通りの結果は得られません。初心者が陥りやすい点も踏まえて解説します。 Sometimes, when working with VBA code, checking whether a folder exists might be necessary before you create, delete, or access files. However, if Excel Interop is still needed, then the advantage of these approaches may be lost. Dir Syntax In the VBA Editor, you can type “Dir (” to see the syntax for the Dir Function: The Dir function contains 2 arguments: PathName: [Optional] A string expression representing a directory/folder Sep 13, 2021 · This example uses the MkDir statement to create a directory or folder. Column(1), 2) & "\*" & lstComponentLots. TransferText acImportDelim, "pathImport", "z_tmpcomponentsearch Dec 4, 2019 · I have Excel VBA code that sends data to a word template (saves a docx and pdf file). Folders (Dir$ method): The Dir$() function can also be used to determine if a folder exists by specifying passing vbDirectory for the optional attributes parameter. Dir -command without parameter fetches the next file matching that pattern. Nov 26, 2021 · VBA Procedure shown under is woks in correct manner when the Excel file saved on MyComputer forder, however, it doesn't work correctly when the same Excel file saved on OneDrive for file sharing. Keep in mind that wild-cards are only allowed after the last path separator, so the example function Dec 9, 2013 · I am using VBA, and looping through spreadsheets in a specific folder - opening the spreadsheets, coping some lines then pasting it into a master spreadsheet. Today, let us learn how to use the Dir function. Syntax Dir [(pathname [, attributes] )] The Dir function syntax has these arguments: This MSAccess tutorial explains how to use the Access Dir function with syntax and examples. Problem is the ". Column(1) & "* /b /a-d > C:\users\public\tmpcomponentsearch. The Dir function methods are native to VBA and do not require any additional libraries. The Microsoft Excel DIR function returns the first filename that matches the pathname and attributes specified. When I'm pulling folders, my function is Aug 22, 2017 · If Dir(ws. VB. This debugging sub is : Sub TestDetect 2 days ago · How to Use VBA DIR Function in Excel (7 Practical Examples) The VBA DIR function is a powerful tool in the arsenal of Excel automation. The above call to the VBA Dir function returns the file name "data. , I'd like to get all the files in a directory that aren't "*. Managing directories is a fundamental aspect of working with file systems in any programming environment, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is no exception. It is the VB6 compiler which allows these extra "type characters" on functions/variables (and ignores them) so that inherited legacy code (or just copy/pasted code from sloppy sources) has these suffixes needlessly sprinkled. Sep 16, 2008 · Should this behave differently for a directory vs. This path is not different from the one I try to use in order to open up the particular file from my "original workbook", which seems strange. The Microsoft Access Dir function returns the first filename that matches the pathname and attributes specified. The Dir is used with a message box. Simple Dir Examples MsgBox Dir("") This will return the first file name on the current path. When I open the Excel file from OneDrive, the 'dir function' (the code line 'DimExists = Dir (DimFullName)' shown under) looks not work correctly. VBA File and Directory Functions can be use to handle with files, folders and directories. In addition to the directories, I see this is also returning a list of files. You may want to loop through files in a folder and list their filenames in a worksheet, make changes to every file in the folder, print the filenames to PDF, and so on. Mar 23, 2012 · can you please give a couple of examples on the syntax for Dir? is just a case of fname = dir (filepathname)? how would i use loop to go through all the files? i know how to loop but whats the syntax to stop at the last file? p. Copying Files When you copy a file you Jul 20, 2007 · Re: Anything faster than FileSystemObject? While playing with the code I'm able to search by title and it does bring the search super fast for all files, so it's got to be maybe a way to tweak the code, I really will like to know more about DIR vs FSO but I'm not familiar with that method at all. I want the user to be able to select a folder, and obtain this result without having to run a command prompt. Create a new directory from VBA using MkDir function Nov 1, 2025 · How to use the VBA DIR function to return the name of a file or directory matching a pattern or attribute (Variant / String). When using Dir in a loop as above, the code implies that the resultant calls to Dir are ordered by name. This may be necessary in order to find a particular file or to do some other file-oriented task. The path may include the drive. In this tutorial, I will show you examples of VBA code to loop through files in a folder using the VBA Dir function and the File System Object (FSO). Mar 22, 2019 · The command dir /S /B /A:-S > FileList. . Dir () is going through the files in alphabetical order by file name by default. Dir$ () returns the result as the string data type. The VBA Dir function is specifically useful for listing all files located in a specified directory. In trying to debug a larger sub, I created a sub after suspecting that there was some issue with the Dir function. Apr 4, 2025 · The File System Object (FSO) in conjunction with the VBA Dir function forms a powerful duo for file system manipulation and navigation within the realm of VBA scripting. I'm actually saving it in either a shared dir or just local. Use the Dir and GetAttr functions to check if directory exists like so: Function DirectoryExists(Directory As String) As Boolean DirectoryExists = False If Not Dir(Directory, vbDirectory) = "" Then If GetAttr(Directory) = vbDirectory Then DirectoryExists = True End If End If End Function Sub TestDirectoryExists() Dim Directory As String Directory = "c:\src" ' is a valid directory Debug. This built-in VBA Dir function returns the first name of a file or directory that matches a pattern in Excel VBA. I made use of the following link to ac The VBA MkDir functions creates a new directory as provided by the path variable. Syntax ChDir path The required path argument is a string expression that identifies which directory or folder becomes the new default directory or folder. Apr 9, 2025 · 2. What is the difference between Dir and Dir$ in Excel VBA? Aug 11, 2023 · The job of VBA DIR function to return a string representing the name of a file, directory, or an archive that matches a specified pattern. the correct file path and name. Jun 7, 2018 · Using the DIR Command in the Debug Window. I have coded the following wh Jun 14, 2025 · VBA provides a very rich programming environment. Use the MacID function to specify file type instead of using the file names. I started with this code below which In this ArticleDir DescriptionSimple Dir ExamplesDir SyntaxExamples of Excel VBA Dir FunctionVBA Dir Function in Access VBA Dir Description Returns the first filename that matches the pathname and attributes specified. Is it possible to use Dir to return a list of Guide to VBA DIR Function. Understanding the VBA Dir Function The VBA `Dir` function is a powerful tool that allows users to navigate file directories and return information about the files and folders contained within. Elle est souvent utilisée pour itérer sur les fichiers dans un dossier ou pour vérifier l’existence d’un fichier ou d’un dossier. The current drive letter can be extracted from the Left character returned in the CurDir statement. A different statement, ChDrive, changes the default drive. If the drive is not specified, the new directory or folder is created on the current drive. By incorporating wildcard characters, the `Dir` function's capabilities are This Excel tutorial explains how to use the Excel DIR function with syntax and examples. You can do many things with macro code that you cannot necessarily do using the tools provided on Excel's ribbons. txt" if this file is found in the directory "C:\Documents" or returns an empty string if the file is not found. In VBA, directory management involves creating, changing, and deleting directories to organize files effectively. Returns a string representing the name of a file, directory, or folder that matches a specified pattern or file attribute, or the volume label of a drive. See GetDirectoryInfo(String) for more information. Is there a way to run this command from VBA? Thanks. FullName)) returned what could be expected, i. Sep 12, 2019 · I am using the Dir () function in excel vba to sort through files in a folder and perform some transformations on each file. We are using 2 methods to check folder exists or not. Read more here. txtFldr is an activeX textbox control and ws is a worksheet. Column(1), 3) & "\20" & Left(lstComponentLots. Understand that the path returned by CurDir is the path that Windows feels is the The VBA Dir function returns the first filename that matches the path and, if needed, the attributes specified. Both still returned "bad file name or number". Can somebody me explain when you would recommend using an array vs collection vs dictionary? Jul 10, 2013 · Hello, I am using the VBA function "Dir" to retrieve a list of all directories/folders starting at a given path. In this tutorial, I will show you how to check if a folder exists in VBA using the ‘Dir’ function, the ‘FolderExists’ method, and the ‘ChDir’ statement. Nov 22, 2018 · Learn how to use Excel VBA to check if a folder exists. txt", vbNormalFocus) DoCmd. Since your main Returns a String representing the name of a file, directory, or folder that matches a specified pattern or file attribute, or the volume label of a drive. Sep 13, 2021 · VBA language referenceObjects (Visual Basic for Applications) Properties (Visual Basic for Applications) Objects (Visual Basic for Applications) Object library reference for Office (members, properties, methods) May 16, 2023 · エクセルVBAのDir関数に関する情報をまとめています。Dir関数はファイル名やフォルダ名の一覧を取得したり、ファイルが存在するかの確認などにつかえる関数です。VBAでDir関数をつかったマクロを作る方法、応用例や注意点を紹介しています。 This is a trivial task in VBA, use ChDir: ChDir Statement Changes the current directory or folder. Those are Dir VBA function and FileSystemObject object. Sep 6, 2024 · I have a macro that reads the files within a folder that the user indicates in a prompt box. Dec 7, 2024 · If you are programming macros in VBA, it is often helpful to know the directory that Windows feels is the current one. Apr 3, 2025 · Managing directories in VBA is a fundamental skill that enables developers to navigate and manipulate the file system effectively. It includes an option to create the folder if it does not already exist. a file? Should a user have to explicitly have to indicate they want to delete a directory? Do you want the code to automatically reset the read-only attribute or should the user be given some sort of indication that the read-only attribute is set? Office VBA 参考主题Dir() 如果在 Microsoft Windows 中将 MacID 函数与 Dir 一起使用，将发生错误。 任何大于 256 的 attribute 值都将被视为 MacID 值。 必须在首次调用 Dir 函数时指定 pathname，否则将发生错误。 如果还指定文件属性，则必须包括 pathname。 Dir 返回与 pathname 匹配的第一个文件名。 若要获取与 pathname I am attempting to loop through files using Dir. This is crucial in Jul 13, 2012 · A VBA function to check and see if a folder exists or not. Please do not post your questions in thread started by others -- this is known as thread hijacking. xlsx") When you issue a Dir -command with parameter, a new search is started according to the pattern you pass. Checking is essential to, for instance, prevent runtime errors if the folder doesn’t exist. One such function is the DIR function, an essential tool for file and directory handling within VBA. It is a built-in function in VBA that gives us the file name of a given file or a folder, but we need to provide the path for the file. NET has a number of other options, such as Lists (of a Class, perhaps) in-memory Stream, StringBuilder. Here we learn its syntax and how to apply the DIR function to fetch filename from a folder with examples. e. " How do I catch this error? I tried iserr(dir(. The ChDir function does not change however the current drive – scroll down to learn more. ChDir function Description The VBA ChDir function changes the current directory. Learn how to select a folder, list file names, and automate file renaming with a simple VBA script. Path & "\" & Dir(ActiveWorkbook. In some case true you can resort to a Select File Dialog, however, in other cases you need to be able to easily match files or directories in file systems in VBA. Use the CurDir statement to determine the current directory. FullName Jul 19, 2021 · Dir Description Returns the first filename that matches the pathname and attributes specified. Apr 30, 2012 · I would like to loop through the files of a directory using vba in Excel 2010. Mar 7, 2025 · Rename multiple files effortlessly using Excel VBA. Jun 22, 2016 · Then using MsgBox (ActiveWorkbook. Whether you’re automating file processing tasks or building dynamic dashboards, understanding how to harness the DIR function can significantly enhance the efficiency and VBA Check If Folder Exists If Not Create It in specified name using VBA in Excel. )) and iserror(dir(. It works fine with mapped folders, but my company is transitioning from those mapped folders to SharePoi Mar 6, 2012 · VBA – Create Directory Structure/Create Multiple Directories/Create Nested Directories One of he most common methods for creating directories/folders in VBA is to use the MkDir statement. Today I’m working to adapt an old code that I had into a project that I’m working on but for some reason the dir function is not working because it’s returning only blank , I know that there is files in that folder because I can see them in Windows Explorer and when I run the dir command in cmd it would also return the file names in there . Note: The file system keeps track of the current drive, and the current directory of every drive. Sep 27, 2020 · VBA Code to check if folder exist Here we explained 2 VBA codes to check if given folder path exist. Everything works fine, but instead of opening to the correct directory, I still have to click through to the righ Nov 13, 2025 · Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more. If you need the path of the current document, you should use Workbook. FSO provides a robust model for file system access, allowing scripts to perform tasks such as creating, moving, editing, and Dec 12, 2022 · Re: Difference between Dir and Dir$ ? There is no Dir$ function, so don't use it, because Dir already returns a String. File Operations in Visual Basic A common issue in Visual Basic is how to perform file operations, for instance, how to copy or delete a file, rename it or create a directory or folder. Jan 1, 2012 · For one thing, it retains the extreme simplicity of using Dir to loop through folders. Dir (strFolderPath, vbDirectory) = "", objFileSyst. Voici comment l’utiliser Mar 30, 2022 · Have questions or feedback about Office VBA or this documentation? Please see Office VBA support and feedback for guidance about the ways you can receive support and provide feedback. txtFldr, vbDirectory) = "" Then MsgBox "Output Directory does not exist!", vbExclamation, "Error!" Exit Sub End If I just want to check if the given directory exists, if not, then prompt the message. Understand the syntax and usage of the VBA DIR function with example code. It plays a pivotal role in file and folder management within your VBA projects. VBA provides the ChDir command to change How to use the Dir function to loop through files in a folder VBA Dir function in Excel is categorized as File and Directory function. Jun 14, 2025 · VBA provides a very rich programming environment. vplkkr taiadtt tmaxyyq chz wkow kgrmn hgt ilpcfdpe mlbdxps rjeafl tgoq adyww xfvsrylz tdxbh aoowa