ActiveX controls - Forms toolbar vs Control Toolbox

[SOSVBA]

Hi,

I'm new to VBA programming. I have attempted to complete my first user friendly workbook using VBA programming. I have a main spreadsheet with control buttons, check boxes that trigger such events as displaying input sheets for the user to input data, print reports and saving the file.

I have included through the tools/customize in excel the icons (such as command buttons, checkboxes, spin buttons, view code, etc) on my toolbar. I have just realized through some research that a forms toolbar vs control toolbox exists. I'm not sure which one have?

Questions:

1. How do I know if I have the control toolbox or forms toolbar on my toolbar?
2. What is the difference between the two?
3. I believe the control toolbox is ActiveX controls and the forms toolbar isn't - what does that mean?

4. I'm almost done my workbook - is it worthwhile to move from one to the other. For example, if I don't have the ActiveX controls, should I change it so that I do? If so, how do I do this?

5. I have been programming using VBA code - does the VBA code depend on whether one has the ActiveX controls or not?

Sorry, for what appears to be elementary questions - but this is my first attempt at VBA programming and I'm trying to learn by reading and doing.

Thank you.

 

[BrianB]

This is not a detailed answer (mainly because I do not know all the differences)

**1. How do I know if I have the control toolbox or forms toolbar on my toolbar?
They are quite different. Controls Toolbar has 'Design Mode' and 'Properties' buttons among others. Right click a toolbar at the top to see a listing.

**2. What is the difference between the two?
Forms controls are very basic. No detailed Properties.Cannot do much to change their appearance.Safer to use if numerous because fewer features means fewer bugs. The VBA coding is somewhat different for each type.

**3. I believe the control toolbox is ActiveX controls and the forms toolbar isn't - what does that mean?
ActiveX controls are more numerous and can be imported from external suppliers etc. and have to be registered (in the registry) (using .dll files for example). If non standard ones are used then each user (machine) needs to install them separately. Often a pain. Some have to be paid for. Forms ones are part of Excel/MS Office and we can assume that everyone has them.
Have a look at the "More controls" button on the Controls toolbar.

**4. I'm almost done my workbook - is it worthwhile to move from one to the other. For example, if I don't have the ActiveX controls, should I change it so that I do? If so, how do I do this?
To change now would be a real pain - especially if using VBA.

**5. I have been programming using VBA code - does the VBA code depend on whether one has the ActiveX controls or not?
Yes, as mentioned above.Sometimes the same, sometimes not.

 

[SOSVBA]

Brian,

Thank you for the responses...will not change now as advised. However, when I put my mouse over the controls icons and right click, I get the column of Standard, Formatting, Borders, etc...therefore, I must have Forms toolbar...

Do you prefer Forms toolbar or control toolbox?

 

[NateO]

They're better for different things. I think ActiveX controls look more professional, and are much more capable, they're OLE Objects. Forms Objects are actually treated as Shapes in VBA, drawing objects.

Which isn't inherently bad. Depends what you're doing. I suspect it's a lot easier for your average user to set up a GUI with Forms' Shapes.

 

[SOSVBA]

Not sure what OLE means but for now my initial venture into the world of VBA programming is through Forms Toolbar and I will or may venture into userforms and control toolbox later....

Thank you for the response.

 

[NateO]

You're welcome. If interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_Linking_and_Embedding

And:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/159621