Creating Custom Functions in Excel to Concatenate Strings and Use Them Across All Files

Excel is a versatile tool that allows users to manipulate data efficiently. One of the powerful features of Excel is the ability to create custom functions (User Defined Functions or UDFs) to perform specific tasks, such as concatenating strings. In this blog post, we will go through the steps to create a custom function that concatenates strings and how to use it across different Excel files.

What Are Custom Functions?

Custom functions allow you to extend Excel's capabilities by writing your own formulas. You can create functions that perform calculations or manipulate data in ways that built-in functions may not cover.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Custom Concatenate Function

Step 1: Open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Editor

1. Open Excel.

2. Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.

Step 2: Insert a New Module

1. In the VBA editor, right-click on any item in the Project Explorer.

2. Select Insert > Module.

Step 3: Write Your Custom Concatenate Function

1. In the new module, write your custom function using the following format:

Function C_Concatenate(ByVal mask As String, ParamArray tokens()) As String

    Dim counter As Long

    For counter = 0 To UBound(tokens)

        mask = Replace(mask, "{" & counter & "}", tokens(counter))

    Next

    

    MyInterpolation = mask

End Function

We can name the method anything we like. I recommend prefixing the methods with something common. This will help in finding your custom methods easy.  

Step 4: Save Your Workbook

1. Save your workbook as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm format).

   
   

Using Your Custom Concatenate Function

Step 1: Use the Custom Function in Your Worksheet

1. Go back to your Excel worksheet.

2. In any cell, use your custom function like this:

   =C_Concatenate("Test {0} {1} ", "Hello", "World")

Step 2: Use Your Custom Function in Other Files

To use your custom function in other Excel workbooks, you can either copy the module or create an Excel Add-in.

Option 1: Copy the Module to Other Workbooks

1. Open the workbook where you want to use the function.

2. Open the VBA editor (ALT + F11).

3. Copy the module with your custom function by right-clicking on it and selecting Export File.

4. In the new workbook, right-click Modules in the Project Explorer and select Import File. Choose the exported module.

   
   

Option 2: Create an Excel Add-in

1. Open the workbook with your custom function.

2. Save it as an Excel Add-in (.xlam format) by selecting File > Save As and choosing the add-in format.

3. Install the add-in by going to File > Options > Add-ins, selecting Excel Add-ins from the Manage dropdown, and clicking Go.

4. In the Add-ins dialog, click Browse and select your .xlam file.

Step 3: Use the Function in Other Workbooks

Once the add-in is installed, you can use your custom function in any Excel file by typing it in as you would with any built-in function.

Conclusion

Creating custom functions in Excel to concatenate strings can save you time and enhance your data manipulation capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can easily create, save, and use your custom concatenate function across multiple Excel files. Enjoy streamlining your Excel tasks!