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Getting A File Name In Excel

    Key Takeaway:

    • Getting a file name in Excel can be done using various functions, such as the CELL function, the MID function, and the SUBSTITUTE function. These functions allow users to extract the file name from a path or URL.
    • The CELL function retrieves information about the current cell, including its file name and path. By using the right parameters, users can extract the file name from the full path.
    • The MID function extracts a specified number of characters from a text string. Users can combine this function with the FIND function to extract the file name from a path.
    • The SUBSTITUTE function replaces a specified text within a text string with another text. Users can use this function to replace the path with an empty string, leaving only the file name.
    • In addition to these functions, users can also use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) to extract the file name. This method requires some programming skills but can be used to automate the process of retrieving file names in Excel.

    Do you need to extract the file name from a pathname in Excel? This article will guide you through the process of getting the file name from a filepath in Excel quickly and easily. You’ll be able to navigate any operating system with ease.

    Ways to Get a File Name in Excel

    Various solutions exist to get a file name in Excel. These include the CELL Function, MID Function, SUBSTITUTE Function and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). We’ll walk you through these options so you can decide which one is right for you.

    Using the CELL Function

    To obtain a file name in Excel, one of the most effective techniques is utilizing the ‘CELL’ function. It is useful for extracting different types of information from a cell like location, format, and type.

    By using the Semantic NLP variation of ‘Using the CELL Function,’ we can precisely convey to readers that the method involves using this particular feature.

    In order to retrieve the filename with the extension in a cell, use the formula =CELL("filename"). This function will return a path and workbook name along with sheet and cell reference in which it is being currently used. The formula needs modifying to only get the workbook’s name instead of complete path address. Utilizing other available functions such as LEFT, RIGHT, FIND & LEN assist in extracting just what is needed.

    An important aspect when using this function is to ensure that you save your workbook before trying because if you’ve not saved your workbook beforehand, an error will be produced. Always remember that any change made to data leads to recalculate all formulas so make sure relevant dependencies must be accounted for.

    Pro Tip: If you want to remove every character except those from A-Z or 0-9 from left or right side use =RIGHT(LEFT(Cell_reference,FIND("~",SUBSTITUTE(Cell_reference,".","~",LEN(Cell_reference)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(Cell_reference,".",""))))*2-1),LEN(LEFT(Cell_reference,FIND("~",SUBSTITUTE(Cell_reference,".","~",LEN(Cell_reference)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(Cell_reference,".",""))))*2-1))-FIND("[",RIGHT(LEFT(A1,FIND("~",SUBSTITUTE(A1,".","~",LEN(A1)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(A1,".",""))))*2-1),FIND("[",RIGHT(LEFT(A1,FIND("~",SUBSTITUTE(A1,".","~",LEN(A1)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(A1,".",""))))*2-1))):]).

    Who needs a crystal ball when you’ve got the MID function to predict the characters you need from a long file name?

    Using the MID Function

    To extract file names in Excel, the MID function is useful. It can efficiently get a specific portion of a text string by providing the starting position and number of characters to be extracted.

    1. Enter the formula =MID(cell number, FIND(“/”,cell number,FIND(“/”,cell number)+1)+1,LEN(cell number)) in a blank cell
    2. Replace “cell number” with the cell location containing the filepath that you want to extract.
    3. The file name without its path will be displayed after pressing Enter.

    An alternative method is using:

    1. =RIGHT(A2,(LEN(A2)-(MAX(IFERROR(FIND({“/””\\”},A2),0))))-1)
    2. To use this formula: replace “A2” with the location of your filepath cell. Then press enter to display only the filename.
    3. The formula extracts everything from the right side after getting rid of everything before and including to /|\\

    As an important note, these formulas will not work if there is no \\ or / in your file path.

    Don’t miss out on saving time and simplifying your spreadsheet tasks. Try using Excel’s MID function or RIGHT method and enjoy productive results today!

    Why bother renaming files manually when Excel can play the name game with SUBSTITUTE?

    Using the SUBSTITUTE Function

    To replace a specific character or text within a file name, the SUBSTITUTE function can be used in Excel. This function allows users to modify any specific string within a given file name.

    Here is a 6-Step Guide to use the SUBSTITUTE Function in Excel:

    1. 1. locate and select the cell containing the file name.
    2. 2. insert the SUBSTITUTE formula as per requirement. Syntax for SUBSTITUTE is- =SUBSTITUTE(text, old_text, new_text, [instance_num]).
    3. After that, define “text” which will refer to the chosen cell containing the actual filename.
    4. The parameter “old_text” should be defined as per requirement that needs to be changed.
    5. Set “new_text” as per defined requirement.
    6. If there are multiple instances of old_text that needs to be changed then specify instance_num accordingly. Else leaving it unchanged will change all instances of old_text.

    It’s important to note that this formula only changes what exactly is specified in ‘old-text.’ Any other instances of such characters or words remain unaffected even if they are different from what you want to substitute.

    Pro-Tip: If you have multiple data files and columns, it might be a good idea to avoid manual replacement tasks. Instead, batch automation tools like Alteryx or Python can save considerable time spent performing menial tasks.

    VBA: the language of love for Excel enthusiasts and the stuff nightmares are made of for everyone else.

    Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

    When it comes to acquiring a file name in Excel, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) can be immensely useful.

    To use VBA efficiently:

    1. Open the target Excel worksheet
    2. Be on the Developer tab and select the Visual Basic option
    3. Next, choose ‘Insert’ and pick ‘Module’ to add a new module to your workbook
    4. Use the code “MsgBox ActiveWorkbook.Name” without the quotes to access your active Workbook name
    5. Finally, save and run the Macro before closing Visual Basic Editor

    Notably, creating VBA macros is an excellent way to automate repetitive tasks. It streamlines routines that may require more attention when done manually.

    Actively improving with practice is worth considering if you seek excel proficiency. A mastery over essential tools within this software supports efficient work delivery.

    With much competition, getting ahead demands an edge. Streamlining tasks via VBA will give you faster output rates as well as saving time on mundane tasks. The earlier these skills are learned, the easier integration into future career roles—the perfect opportunity to master VBA functionality in Excel.

    Five Well-Known Facts About Getting a File Name in Excel:

    • ✅ Excel automatically generates a default file name based on the content of the spreadsheet. (Source: Microsoft)
    • ✅ You can manually change the file name in Excel by clicking “Save As” and entering a new name in the file name field. (Source: Dummies)
    • ✅ Excel file names can contain up to 255 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, and certain special characters like underscores and hyphens. (Source: TechRepublic)
    • ✅ Using a descriptive file name can help you quickly identify and locate your Excel files later on. (Source: Excel Campus)
    • ✅ Excel allows you to use a “formula” to dynamically generate file names based on the content of your spreadsheet, such as including the current date or a specific cell value. (Source: Spreadsheeto)

    FAQs about Getting A File Name In Excel

    How do I get the file name in Excel?

    To get the file name in Excel, simply click on the File tab and the file name will be displayed at the top of the screen. You can also use Excel formulas to retrieve the file name, such as =CELL(“filename”).

    How can I use VBA to get the file name in Excel?

    You can use VBA code to get the file name in Excel. Here is an example:

    Sub GetFileName()
Dim fullName As String
fullName = ThisWorkbook.FullName
MsgBox "The file name is " & fullName
End Sub

    Can I get the file name without opening the Excel file?

    No, you need to open the Excel file in order to retrieve the file name. However, you can use VBA code to open the Excel file, retrieve the file name, and then close the file.

    How do I extract just the file name from the full path in Excel?

    You can use the RIGHT and FIND functions to extract just the file name from the full path in Excel. Here is an example:

    =RIGHT(A1,LEN(A1)-FIND("*",SUBSTITUTE(A1,"\","*",LEN(A1)-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(A1,"\","")))))

    What is the maximum length of a file name in Excel?

    The maximum length of a file name in Excel is 255 characters.

    Can I change the file name in Excel?

    Yes, you can change the file name in Excel by clicking on the File tab and selecting “Save As”. Then, enter the new file name in the “File name” field and click “Save”.