How to insert a file name or path into the cell/header or footer in Excel?
When working with multiple Excel workbooks or preparing reports for distribution, it's often valuable to display the current workbook's file name, full file path, or even the active worksheet name directly within your Excel file—either in a cell, header, or footer. This can improve document organization, version tracking, and provide clarity for collaborators or recipients. Excel offers several practical ways to insert these details, whether you want a one-time snapshot or need the information to update dynamically as your file changes. Below, you'll find step-by-step guidance for common methods, along with tips for troubleshooting and optimizing your workflow.
Insert the current file name or path in a cell with Formula
Insert the current file name or path in the cell/header or footer with Kutools for Excel 
Insert the current file name or path in the header/footer with the Header & Footer function
VBA Code - Programmatically insert file name or path into cell, header, or footer
Insert the current file name or path in a cell with Formula
If you want to display the file name, file path, or worksheet name in a cell—allowing for dynamic referencing as the workbook is moved or renamed—Excel formulas provide a flexible and convenient approach. This is especially useful when you need the information to update automatically after saving or relocating your file. The following table presents formulas for different scenarios:
| Item | Formula | Example |
| Filename only | =MID(CELL("filename"), SEARCH("[", CELL("filename"))+1, SEARCH("]", CELL("filename"))-SEARCH("[", CELL("filename"))-1) | products features.xlsx |
| Filepath only | =LEFT(CELL("filename",A1), FIND("[", CELL("filename",A1),1)-1) | C:\Users\dt\Desktop\New folder\ |
| Active sheet name only | =RIGHT(CELL("filename"), LEN(CELL("filename"))-FIND("]", CELL("filename"),1)) | Sheet7 |
| Current filename, filepath, and active sheet name | =CELL("filename") | C:\Users\dt\Desktop\New folder\[products features.xlsx]Sheet7 |
Instructions and notes for use:
• To use these formulas, simply copy the one corresponding to the item you want and paste it into your target cell (for example, B1). Once entered, press Enter to display the information.
• If you're copying to other cells, you can drag the cell's fill handle or use copy-paste as usual. For consistent results, keep reference cells (such as A1) unchanged, or adjust them as needed.
• Please note: these formulas will only return results if your workbook has been saved at least once, as the file path and name require a file location. Unsaved workbooks will yield a blank return.
• Should you move or rename the workbook, formulas will update automatically after re-saving.
• In case of formula errors (such as #VALUE!), verify the workbook has been saved and your formula syntax matches exactly.
• Keep in mind that formulas display live file properties and are suitable for most reporting needs, but do not affect header or footer areas.
Insert the current file name or path in the cell/header or footer with Kutools for Excel
Kutools for Excel’s Insert Workbook Information feature streamlines the process of displaying your file’s name, path, or worksheet name directly in cells, headers, or footers. This handy utility is ideal for anyone needing a quick, flexible solution—for example, preparing documentation that requires consistent branding or tracking workbook versions across a team.
To use this feature once Kutools for Excel is installed, do the following:
1. Click Kutools Plus > Workbook Tools > Insert Workbook Information. See screenshot:
2. In the Insert Workbook Information dialog box, select which information you wish to insert, such as worksheet name, workbook name, workbook path, or both; choose whether to display it in cells, headers, or footers; and specify the target location (Left, Center, Right for headers/footers, or select target cell for cell insertion). See screenshot:
3. Click OK to finish. For cell insertion, the selected workbook information will appear in the specified cell instantly. For header or footer insertion, preview the result via View > Page Layout if needed. See examples:
The Kutools method supports both simple and complex file information placement, and is recommended for those who prefer graphical tools without manual formula or code entry. If you want the file properties to update on workbook changes, reapply the function after renaming or moving the file.
If you insert the information into a header or footer, you may select the insertion point—Left, Center, or Right. Double-check your choice for clarity, especially in printed documents. For batch updates (multiple sheets), simply repeat the operation for each worksheet as needed. Avoid direct editing of header/footer codes without using the tool for best results.
< Insert the current file name or path in the header/footer with the Header & Footer function
Using Excel's built-in Header & Footer function is a straightforward way to add a file name, file path, or sheet name to printed output. This presents static information and is effective for branding, version control, or reference in reports and distributed documents.
• On the Ribbon, click Insert > Header & Footer. The worksheet switches to the Page Layout view, where the header/footer editing boxes appear at the top and bottom of the page.
• In the Header or Footer section, select your desired area—Left, Center, or Right. Then, on the Design tab (Header & Footer Tools), choose File Path, File Name, or Sheet Name depending on your requirement. See screenshot:
• After adding the code, click any cell to exit the design mode. Your selection is visible in the header or footer for the worksheet and will print with the output. See examples below:
| Insert the file path into the header |
 |
| Insert the file name into the footer |
 |
Tips: The built-in feature works best for individual sheets. It does not update dynamically for multiple workbooks or when using unsaved files. To batch-apply across several sheets, switch to each sheet and repeat the process, or consider using VBA for automation.
< VBA Code - Programmatically insert file name or path into cell, header, or footer
For users who require automated, batch updates or need to add file properties across multiple sheets or workbooks, VBA offers a practical solution. By leveraging a simple script, you can instantly populate a cell, header, or footer with file information and even set it to update whenever the workbook is opened or saved. This method is especially suitable for regular reporting, shared templates, or complex document workflows where manual methods become tedious.
Below are examples of VBA applications for different scenarios. Before starting, save your workbook and enable the Developer Tab in Excel.
How to use VBA to insert file information:
1. Click Developer > Visual Basic. In the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window, select Insert > Module.
2. Paste the following code into the Module window, depending on your target (cell, header, or footer):
– Insert file name into a specific cell (e.g., A1):
Sub InsertFileNameToCell()
Dim fileName As String
fileName = ThisWorkbook.Name
Range("A1").Value = fileName
End SubTo run the code, click the 
Run button in the VBA editor. The current file name will populate cell A1. To change the destination, modify Range("A1") to your preferred cell.
– Insert file path into worksheet header (center position):
Sub InsertFilePathToHeader()
Dim filePath As String
filePath = ThisWorkbook.FullName
ActiveSheet.PageSetup.CenterHeader = filePath
End SubAfter entering the code, click Run in the VBA editor. Check the sheet's Page Layout view to see the inserted file path in the center header. If you need to set Left or Right header, use .LeftHeader or .RightHeader respectively.
– Insert file name into the footer (right position):
Sub InsertFileNameToFooter()
Dim fileName As String
fileName = ThisWorkbook.Name
ActiveSheet.PageSetup.RightFooter = fileName
End SubWhen executed, the current file name will appear as the right footer in the active worksheet. Adjust .LeftFooter or .CenterFooter to suit your needs.
Tips and troubleshooting:
- For batch operations across multiple sheets, loop through Worksheets in your VBA code.
- If you receive a permission error, confirm the workbook is not protected and macros are enabled.
- Use On Error Resume Next to bypass errors if applying to multiple sheets with varied settings.
- For automatic updates, assign macros to Workbook events such as Workbook_Open or Workbook_BeforeSave.
- Always save a backup before running VBA macros, especially when bulk updating headers or footers.
Using VBA provides strong flexibility and scalability. It is recommended if you need regular, automated updates or wish to apply file details in bulk across several files or sheets. For first-time macro users, always enable macro content and check your macro security settings.
In summary, whether you choose formulas, Kutools, Excel’s header/footer features, or VBA automation, the method depends on your workflow needs, frequency of updates required, and whether batch operations are necessary. Most errors stem from unsaved files, protected sheets, or disabled macros; check these before troubleshooting further. For everyday use, the formula and Kutools approaches offer speed, while VBA is most effective for automation and scalability.
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