

Unlike a hidden XLS workbook, an add-in can’t be revealed. If a user loads your application as an add-in, the file is invisible and therefore less likely to confuse novice users or get in the way. Excel’s protection features aren’t perfect, and password-cracking utilities are available.Īvoid confusion. If you use proprietary techniques in your VBA code, you can make it more difficult for others to copy the code. When you distribute an application as an add-in (and you protect it), casual users can’t view the sheets in the workbook. Make it more difficult to access your code. You might decide to convert your XLS application into an add-in for any of the following reasons: An add-in can have any extension that you want. However, this is not a strict requirement.

However, you can access an add-in’s VBA Sub and Function procedures and display dialog boxes contained on UserForms.Įxcel add-ins usually have an XLA file extension to distinguish them from XLS worksheet files. Because add-ins are always hidden, you can’t display worksheets or chart sheets contained in an add-in. You can convert any XLS file into an add-in. The workbook is not a member of the Workbooks collection. The workbook window is hidden and can’t be unhidden using the Window Unhide command. The IsAddin property of the Workbook is True. More specifically, an add-in is a normal XLS workbook with the following differences: An Excel add-in is basically a different form of an XLS workbook file. You can also get Excel add-ins from third-party suppliers or as shareware my Power Utility Pak is an example.Īny knowledgeable user can create add-ins (but VBA programming skills are required). Some of the more popular include the Analysis ToolPak, Conditional Sum Wizard, and Solver. If the add-in is designed properly, the new features blend in well with the original interface, so they appear to be part of the program.Įxcel ships with several add-ins. Some add-ins provide new worksheet functions you can use in formulas other add-ins provide new commands or utilities. An Excel add-in is something you add to enhance Excel’s functionality.
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In this chapter, I explain why this feature is so slick and show you how to create add-ins by using only the tools built into Excel. One of the slickest features of Excel - at least in my mind - is the capability to create add-ins. Knowing why you might want to create your own add-ins
