Working with the AutoCAD 2015 VBA Module on 64-bit Systems If you are an AutoCAD power user or a design automation engineer, you have likely encountered a significant shift in Autodesk’s development strategy. With the release of AutoCAD 2015 , Autodesk officially moved away from including VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) as an installed-by-default component. Instead, the VBA module became a separate, optional download . For users running 64-bit versions of Windows (the standard for modern engineering workstations), installing and configuring the correct VBA module is essential for maintaining legacy macros and automation scripts. Why VBA is No Longer Pre-Installed Starting with AutoCAD 2010, Autodesk began phasing out VBA due to security concerns and the rise of more modern APIs like .NET (C#/VB.NET) and AutoCAD's native AutoLISP. However, recognizing the massive library of legacy VBA macros in the industry, Autodesk continued to support VBA as a free add-on module . For AutoCAD 2015 64-bit , there is no built-in VBA IDE. If you attempt to run a VBA macro (e.g., using the VBARUN command) or open a .DVB project file, you will receive an error stating that VBA is not installed. Downloading the Correct 64-bit Module To enable VBA support in AutoCAD 2015 on a 64-bit operating system, you must download and install the "AutoCAD 2015 VBA Module" directly from Autodesk.
File Name: AutoCAD_2015_VBA_Module_64bit.exe Version: 1.0.0 Size: Approximately 35–40 MB
Important: You must match the bitness of the module to the bitness of your AutoCAD. If you are running 64-bit AutoCAD (the most common installation), you need the 64-bit VBA module. The 32-bit module will not work on a 64-bit OS with 64-bit AutoCAD.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Close AutoCAD completely before proceeding. Download the AutoCAD_2015_VBA_Module_64bit.exe from the official Autodesk website or your Autodesk Account under "Downloads & Updates." Run the executable as Administrator (right-click > Run as administrator ). Follow the on-screen wizard. The installer will place the necessary DLLs (e.g., acvba.dll ) into the AutoCAD 2015 program folder. Once finished, launch AutoCAD 2015.
Verifying the Installation To confirm the VBA module is active in your 64-bit environment:
Open AutoCAD 2015. Type VBAMAN at the command line. The VBA Manager dialog box should appear. Alternatively, type VBAIDE – this should open the VBA Integrated Development Environment (IDE). autocad 2015 vba module 64-bit
If these commands are recognized, the 64-bit module is working correctly. Important Technical Considerations for 64-bit VBA While the module allows VBA to run, there are critical differences between 32-bit and 64-bit environments: 1. Declare Statements If your VBA code uses Windows API functions (e.g., FindWindow , GetTickCount ), you must update all Declare statements with the PtrSafe keyword. Example: Incorrect for 64-bit: Declare Function GetTickCount Lib "kernel32" () As Long
Correct for 64-bit: Declare PtrSafe Function GetTickCount Lib "kernel32" () As Long
2. LongPtr Data Type Use the LongPtr type for handles and pointers. This resolves to 32-bit on 32-bit systems and 64-bit on 64-bit systems. 3. No 64-bit OCX Controls Many legacy UserForm controls (third-party OCX files) may not have 64-bit versions. The 64-bit VBA module cannot load 32-bit OCX controls. Common Issues on 64-bit Systems | Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | "VBA module not installed" even after running installer | Re-run installer as Administrator. Check that antivirus didn't block DLL registration. | | "Compile error: The code in this project must be updated for use on 64-bit systems" | Add PtrSafe to all API Declares and replace Long handles with LongPtr . | | VBAIDE opens but macros crash | Ensure no 32-bit OCX references are in the project. Recompile the VBA project. | Alternatives to VBA on 64-bit AutoCAD 2015 If you are starting a new automation project, consider migrating away from VBA: Working with the AutoCAD 2015 VBA Module on
AutoLISP / Visual LISP: Native, cross-platform, and well-supported. .NET (C# / VB.NET): More powerful and secure, but requires compilation. AutoCAD Scripting (SCR files): Simple command recording. ObjectARX: C++ based, highest performance but steep learning curve.
Final Verdict The AutoCAD 2015 VBA Module 64-bit is a lifesaver for maintaining older automation workflows. While it works reliably for existing projects, it is essentially a compatibility tool—not a forward-looking development platform. Recommendation: Use the 64-bit VBA module to keep your legacy macros running on modern workstations, but plan to rewrite critical routines in .NET or AutoLISP over time.