Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Using the Camera in VBA.

Using the Camera in VBA

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 22, 2020)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003


In other issues of ExcelTips you learn about using the Camera tool to capture dynamic pictures of different parts of your worksheet. You may have been wondering how to use the same sort of feature from within VBA. The documentation on the issue is not terribly clear, but the following macro shows the general process:

Sub DoCamera()
    Dim MyPrompt As String
    Dim MyTitle As String
    Dim UserRange As Range
    Dim OutputRange As Range

    Application.ScreenUpdating = True

    'Prompt user for range to capture
    MyPrompt = "Select the range you would like to capture."
    MyTitle = "User Input Required"
    On Error Resume Next
    Set UserRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:=MyPrompt, _
        Title:=MyTitle, Default:=ActiveCell.Address, Type:=8)
    If UserRange Is Nothing Then End
    On Error GoTo 0

    'Copy range to Clipboard as picture
    UserRange.CopyPicture

    'Prompt user for range to paste to
    MyPrompt = "Select the range on which you would like to paste."
    MyTitle = "User Input Required"
    On Error Resume Next
    Set OutputRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:=MyPrompt, _
        Title:=MyTitle, Default:=ActiveCell.Address, Type:=8)
    If OutputRange Is Nothing Then End
    On Error GoTo 0

    'Paste picture to output range
    OutputRange.PasteSpecial
    Selection.Formula = UserRange.Address
End Sub

This macro prompts you to specify a range to be copied, it then copies it to the Clipboard as a picture, and prompts you for where to paste it. When pasted, the final line of the macro is the key to making the "photo" dynamic, just as is done manually with the Camera tool. The PasteSpecial command actually pastes the picture, and the pasted picture remains selected. Setting the Formula property for the selection (the picture) results in the dynamic nature of the graphic.

Note:

If you would like to know how to use the macros described on this page (or on any other page on the ExcelTips sites), I've prepared a special page that includes helpful information. Click here to open that special page in a new browser tab.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2207) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Using the Camera in VBA.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Flashing Cells

Want to draw attention to some information in a particular cell? Make the cell flash, on and off. Here's how you can ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Extra Quote Marks in Exported Text Files

If you don't like the way that Excel exports information you intend to use with other programs, then your best bet is to ...

Discover More

Stopping a Checked Box from being Unchecked

When creating user forms for use in Excel, you are provided with a range of controls you can add, including check boxes. ...

Discover More

Excel Smarts for Beginners! Featuring the friendly and trusted For Dummies style, this popular guide shows beginners how to get up and running with Excel while also helping more experienced users get comfortable with the newest features. Check out Excel 2013 For Dummies today!

More ExcelTips (menu)

Deleting Graphics when Deleting a Row

If you use Excel to keep a graphic with each row of data you amass, you may wonder if there is a way to easily delete the ...

Discover More

Using the Keyboard to Select and Resize a Chart Object

When working with charts and chart objects, Excel is very dependent on the mouse. If you don't want to use the mouse, but ...

Discover More

ScreenTip for an Image

You can configure images in Excel so that if someone clicks on them, a macro is executed. You cannot, however, have a ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 5 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


This Site

Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.