The Visual Basic Editor is a separate window where all macros, functions, and event code live. It has a Project Explorer for the workbook's modules, a code window, and an Immediate window for testing one line at a time.

Code

Alt + F11, then Insert > Module

• First macro

  Alt + F11, Insert > Module, then type a Sub → A new standard module with your first macro

  Standard modules hold ordinary macros.

• Immediate window

  Ctrl + G in the editor, type ?Range("A1").Value, Enter → The value of A1 prints in the Immediate window

  Test any expression without running a macro.

• Find a sheet module

  View > Project Explorer, double-click Sheet1 → The sheet module opens for event code

  Events go in sheet modules, not standard ones.

• Turn on Require Variable Declaration under Tools > Options so Option Explicit is added to every module.
• F5 runs the current procedure, F8 steps one line, F9 sets a breakpoint.
• Add the Developer tab (File > Options > Customize Ribbon) for a button that opens the editor.

• The editor window can hide behind Excel; Alt + F11 toggles it forward.
• Code typed into the wrong module (a sheet module instead of a standard one) does not show in the Macros dialog.