How to Use Excel VBA Border Weight Property (8 Methods)

How to Launch VBA Editor in Excel

Here are the steps to launch the VBA Editor in Excel:

• Enable the Developer Tab:
  • If you don’t see the Developer tab in your Excel ribbon, you’ll need to enable it. Follow these steps:
    • Click on File.
    • Choose Options.
    • In the Excel Options window, select Customize Ribbon on the left.
    • Check the box next to Developer under the Main Tabs section.
    • Click OK.

• Access the VBA Editor:
  • Once you have the Developer tab visible, follow these steps:
    • Click on the Developer tab.
    • Select Visual Basic from the toolbar.

• Insert a Module:
  • In the VBA Editor, go to the Insert tab.
  • Choose Module.
  • Now you can write your VBA code within the module.

Note: Remember to save your Excel file as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) to run the code successfully.

How to Add Borders Using VBA in Excel

• Objective:
  • You want to add a default border to the range B4:H14 in your Excel worksheet.

• Explanation:
  • The dataset contains students’ results, and you’re adding borders to enhance the visual appearance.
  • Borders can be helpful when printing data, especially when presenting student results.

• VBA Code:

Sub Giving_Border()
Range("B4:H14").Borders.ColorIndex = xlColorIndexAutomatic
End Sub

• How to Run the Code:
  • Open the Excel workbook where you want to apply the borders.
  • Go to the View tab.
  • Click on Macros and select the View Macros option.
  • Choose the Giving_Border subroutine and click Run.

The borders will now be inserted within the specified range.

Overview of Borders.Weight Property in Excel VBA

Let’s break down the information about the Borders.Weight property in Excel VBA:

• Overview:
  • The Borders.Weight property allows you to control the thickness of cell borders in Excel using VBA.
  • There are four predefined expressions you can use with this property:
    • xlThin: Denotes a thin border.
    • xlMedium: Increases the border weight to a medium level.
    • xlThick: Gives the highest thickness for borders.
    • xlHairline: Returns the thinnest possible border.
  • Notably, the Borders.Weight property not only adjusts the thickness of existing borders but also adds borders to cells that currently have none.

• Sample Code:

Sub Syntax_Border_Weight()
'You can use Borders Property with this Range
'You must write the Range
Range("B4:D14").Borders.Weight = xlMedium
'Or you can use Borders Property with Worksheet
Worksheets("Border Weight Syntax").Range("E4:H14").Borders.Weight = xlMedium
End Sub

Sub Border_for_ActiceCell() 
  ActiveCell.Borders.Weight = xlThick 
End Sub

Sub borders_with_for_loop()
Dim my_Rng, my_Cell As Range
Set my_Rng = Range("B4:H14")
For Each my_Cell In my_Rng
my_Cell.BorderAround _
Weight:=xlMedium
Next my_Cell
End Sub

• Save the code and click the Run button to see the updated borders within the B4:H14 range.

Method 3 – Selecting a Range and Adjusting Border Weight

If you want to change the border weight for a selected range or need to do so repeatedly, follow this method. Simply select the desired range in your worksheet and run the following code:

• Create a new module and add the code:

Sub Border_on_Selecting_Cells()
Selection.Borders.Weight = xlThick
End Sub

This code sets a thick border for the currently selected range.

• To execute the code, select the desired range in your worksheet and click the Run button.

Method 4 – Adding Borders Using the Borders.Weight Property Based on Numeric Conditions

If you need to specify a user-defined input range, this method is for you. In this approach, we’ll use a numeric condition to highlight specific cells that meet certain criteria. Specifically, we’ll identify students who scored less than 50% on their final marks.

• Create a new module and enter the following code:

Sub Border_based_cell_numeric_Value()
Dim my_Rng As Range
Dim my_Cell As Range
Set my_Rng = Application.InputBox(Title:="Exceldemy", _
Prompt:="Select the Range for Borders", Type:=8)
For Each my_Cell In my_Rng
If my_Cell < 0.5 Then
my_Cell.BorderAround _
Weight:=xlThick
End If
Next my_Cell
End Sub

• Save the code and click the Run button to see the updated borders.

As demonstrated, this method allows you to mark cells with scores below 50% using a prominent border.

Method 5 – Applying Border Weight When Cell Value Is Not Empty

If you have empty cells within your dataset and want to apply borders only to non-empty cells, follow this code:

• Create a new module and enter the following code:

Sub Border_when_cells_are_not_empty()
Dim my_Rng, my_Cell As Range
Set my_Rng = ThisWorkbook.ActiveSheet.Range("B4:G14")
For Each my_Cell In my_Rng
If Not IsEmpty(my_Cell) Then
my_Cell.BorderAround _
Weight:=xlThin
End If
Next my_Cell
End Sub

• To run the code, go to Macros, select the sub procedure named Border_when_cells_are_not_empty, and click Run.

When you run this code, any empty cells within the specified range will remain unbordered.

Method 6 – Increasing Border Weight If the Cell Contains Text

In this method, we’ll focus on a different dataset containing employee information. Suppose you want to highlight the department named IT. This approach demonstrates how to adjust the border weight based on whether a cell contains a specified string.

• Create a new module and enter the following code:

Sub Border_based_on_cell_text_Value()
Dim my_Rng As Range
Dim my_intgr As Integer
Set my_Rng = Selection
For my_intgr = 1 To my_Rng.Rows.Count
    If my_Rng.Cells(my_intgr).Value = "IT" Then
    my_Rng.Cells(my_intgr).Borders.Weight = xlThick
    End If
Next my_intgr
End Sub

• To run the code, select the range (where the cells correspond to department names) and go to Macros. Choose the sub procedure named Border_based_on_cell_text_Value and click Run.

Remember to select the correct column before running the code to see the desired output.

Method 7 – Changing Border Weight If Cell Contains Date

Suppose you have a dataset with some dates, and you want to highlight specific dates. In that case, consider using this method. Here, I’ll explain how to highlight a date using the Borders.Weight property.

• Enter the following code to a Module:

Sub Border_based_on_cell_Date_Value()
Dim my_Rng As Range
Dim my_intgr As Integer
Set my_Rng = Selection
For my_intgr = 1 To my_Rng.Rows.Count
If my_Rng.Cells(my_intgr).Value > DateSerial(2014, 1, 1) Then
my_Rng.Cells(my_intgr).Borders.Weight = xlMedium
End If
Next my_intgr
End Sub

• To apply this, select the range (where the cells contain dates), go to Macros, choose the sub procedure named Border_based_on_cell_Date_Value, and click Run.

Now, the hiring dates after January 1, 2014, will be marked with a medium-weight border.

Method 8 – Changing Border Weight for One Side of Cell with Edge Property

In this method, we’ll focus on adjusting the border weight for specific sides of cells. If you need to mark a cell with varying border thicknesses, follow these steps:

• Write the following code in a Module:

Sub Border_at_One_Side_Cell()
Set my_Rng = Range("B4:H14")
With my_Rng
.Borders(xlEdgeLeft).Weight = xlThick
.Borders(xlEdgeTop).Weight = xlThick
.Borders(xlEdgeRight).Weight = xlThick
.Borders(xlEdgeBottom).Weight = xlThick
.Borders(xlInsideHorizontal).Weight = xlMedium
.Borders(xlInsideVertical).Weight = xlThin
End With
With Range("H13:H14")
.Borders(xlDiagonalDown).Weight = xlHairline
.Borders(xlDiagonalUp).Weight = xlHairline
End With
End Sub

• To apply this, go to Macros, select the sub procedure named Border_at_One_Side_Cell, and click Run.

The output will reflect the adjusted borders.

How to Use Borders.Value Property in Excel VBA

Let’s break down how to use the Borders.Value property in Excel VBA:

• Overview:
  • The Borders.Value property allows you to modify the line style of cell borders.
  • You can specify numeric values from 0 to 13 to achieve different border styles.

• Numeric Values:
  • Borders.Value = 0: No border (no visible lines).
  • Borders.Value = 1: Thin continuous border.
  • You can use values up to Borders.Value = 13 for various styles.

• Example Code:

Sub Border_Value()
Range("D4:G14").Borders.Value = 2
Range("H4:H12").Borders.Value = 4
Range("D13:H14").Borders.Value = 3
Range("B4:C14,D4:H5").Borders.Value = 1
End Sub

Range("D4:G14").Borders.Value = 2

Range("H4:H12").Borders.Value = 4

Range("D13:H14").Borders.Value = 3

Range("B4:C14,D4:H5").Borders.Value = 1

• Application:
  • Save the code in a new Module.
  • Go to Macros, choose the sub-procedure named Border_Value, and click Run.
  • Observe the resulting border styles based on the specified ranges.

How to Color Borders in Excel VBA

• Introduction:
  • If you want to make your dataset visually appealing by using colorful borders or highlight specific cells with different border colors, this section is for you.
  • The exciting part is that you can apply colors to your borders using VBA code. You have several options, including RGB color codes and predefined color names.

• Using RGB Color Codes:
  • RGB (Red, Green, Blue) color coding allows you to create custom colors.
  • Each color component (red, green, blue) can range from 0 to 255.
  • For example:
    • RGB(0, 0, 0) represents black.
    • RGB(255, 255, 255) represents white.
    • RGB(0, 0, 255) represents blue.
    • Adjust the values to create your desired shade (e.g., RGB(215, 50, 70) for a maroon-like shade).

• Applying Colors to Borders:
  • Use the Borders.Color property to set the border color.
  • You can directly use color names (e.g., vbYellow) or RGB values (e.g., RGB(50, 100, 255)).
  • To use color names, prefix them with “vb” (e.g., Borders.Color = vbYellow).

• Using ColorIndex:
  • The ColorIndex property allows you to choose from predefined colors.
  • Values range from 1 to 56 (each representing a specific color).

• Example Code:

Sub Coloring_on_Border()
Range("B4:H14").Borders.Color = RGB(50, 100, 255)
Range("H6:H12").Borders.Color = RGB(200, 50, 100)
Range("E5:E12").Borders.Color = vbGreen
Range("G5:G12").Borders.Color = vbGreen
Range("D6:D12").Borders.ColorIndex = 21
Range("F6:F12").Borders.ColorIndex = 21
End Sub

• Application:
  • Save the code in a new Module.
  • Run the sub-procedure named Coloring_on_Border.
  • Observe the output in your Excel sheet.

Read More: How to Use Excel VBA Border ColorIndex Property

How to Customize Border Styles Using VBA in Excel

If you’re working with Excel VBA and need to adjust border styles for different data sets within a single sheet, you can easily do so using the LineStyle property. Let’s walk through the steps:

• Access the Visual Basic Editor:
  • Go to the Developer tab in Excel.
  • Click on Visual Basic to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

• Insert a New Module:
  • In the VBA editor, insert a new module by clicking Insert > Module.

• Write the VBA Code:
  • Within the module, enter the following code:

Sub Changing_Line_Style()
Range("B4:H14").Borders.LineStyle = xlContinuous
With Range("B6:H12")
.Borders(xlInsideHorizontal).LineStyle = xlDot
.Borders(xlEdgeBottom).LineStyle = xlSlantDashDot
End With
Range("C6:H12").Borders(xlInsideVertical).LineStyle = xlDouble
Range("D6:E12,F6:G12").Borders(xlInsideVertical).LineStyle = xlDash
Range("B13:G14").Borders(xlInsideHorizontal).LineStyle = xlDashDotDot
End Sub

• Applying the Changes:
  • To see the effect, run the macro:
    • Go to Macros in the Developer tab.
    • Select the Changing_Line_Style sub-procedure.
    • Click Run.

You’ll now have customized border styles for different data segments in your Excel sheet.

How to Customize Borders Using VBA in Excel

When you need to apply different border styles to decorate your dataset using a single code, follow these steps:

• Create a New Module:
  • Open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.
  • Insert a new module by clicking Insert > Module.

• Write the VBA Code:
  • Within the module, enter the following code:

Sub Different_Border_Properties()
With Worksheets("Different Borders").Range("B4:H14")
.Borders.LineStyle = xlSlantDashDot
.Borders(xlInsideHorizontal).Weight = xlThin
.Borders(xlInsideVertical).Color = vbRed
End With
End Sub

• Apply the Changes:
  • Press F5 to run the code and see the updated borders.

Now your dataset will have customized borders based on your specifications.

How to Remove All Borders in Excel with VBA

If you need to remove borders from a specific range, follow these steps. I’ll describe the code that accomplishes this task.

• Using Borders.Value Property:
  • You can set Borders.Value = 0 to delete all borders.
  • Alternatively, use either of the following methods:
    • Borders.ColorIndex = xlColorIndexNone
    • Borders.LineStyle = xlNone

• Write the VBA Code:
  • Insert the following code into a module:

Sub Border_based_on_cell_Date_Value()
Dim my_Rng As Range
Dim my_intgr As Integer
Set my_Rng = Selection
For my_intgr = 1 To my_Rng.Rows.Count
    If my_Rng.Cells(my_intgr).Value > DateSerial(2014, 1, 1) Then
    my_Rng.Cells(my_intgr).Borders.Weight = xlMedium
    End If
Next my_intgr
End Sub

• Understanding the Code:
  • The code targets the selected range.
  • If a cell’s value is greater than January 1, 2014, it sets the border weight to medium.

• Apply the Changes:
  • Go to Macros, choose Remove_All_Borders, and press Run.

Keep in mind that naming sub-procedures differently from existing properties is essential to avoid conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where Can I Find the Developer Tab in Excel?

The Developer tab is a powerful addition to the Excel Ribbon, providing access to features that are otherwise hidden. By default, it’s not visible in the Ribbon, but you can easily add it:

• • Right-click on any existing tab in the Ribbon.
  • Choose Customize the Ribbon.
  • In the options pane, check the box next to Developer and click OK.
  • The Developer tab will now appear at the end of the Ribbon.

• How Can I Change Line Thickness in Excel?

To adjust the thickness of cell borders or lines in Excel, follow these steps:

• • • Select the cell(s) with the border you want to modify.
    • Right-click and choose Format Cells.
    • Go to the Border tab.
    • Under Line, select a thicker style from the presets or create a custom style.
    • Click OK to apply the changes

Things to Remember

Remember, thoughtful naming of sub-procedures is essential to avoid conflicts in your code.

Practice Section

Now you can practice by yourself and learn how to use the Excel VBA border weight property.

Download Practice Workbook

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