Excel Files Using VBA Macros in Dropbox

Environment

Dropbox, Microsoft 365

Issue

I have an Excel file that uses VBA macros that I uploaded to Dropbox. How can I interact with it and edit it while using the macros?

Resolution

Dropbox allows users to open Excel files in multiple ways, but not all are compatible with VBA macros. VBA macros do not work with Excel for the web, and users will encounter an error if they attempt to use/edit the macros in that mode. Recommended alternatives are:

Download the file (Recommended if no collaboration is necessary)

1. Go to dropbox.umich.edu and click on the file name
2. Click the Download button (if you do not see this and you are not the owner of the file, downloading may have been disabled)
3. Open the file with the Excel desktop app
4. If prompted, enable macros for the document

This option will download a copy of the file to your computer. Changes to that copy will not reflect in the Dropbox copy.

Open the file in the Excel desktop app through Dropbox (Recommended for collaborative documents)

1. Go to dropbox.umich.edu and click on the file name
2. Click the Open button
3. Select the Dropbox or Microsoft Excel option
   Note: To see this option, you must have the Dropbox desktop app installed and synced with your Dropbox account.
4. If prompted, enable macros for the document
5. Make changes to the document and save
   1. These changes will be reflected in the Dropbox copy
   2. Only one person should edit the document at a time to avoid conflicting copies/changes not saving
   3. If multiple people need to edit at once, consider avoiding VBA macros, so Excel for the Web can be utilized instead

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.