Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 26, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Any Excel workbook can be converted to an add-in. The steps you need to follow to create an add-in are very precise, and may seem a bit overwhelming (particularly the first couple of times you do it). To create a protected add-in file, you need to do a little work in the VBA Editor and in Excel itself. First, here are the steps to follow to get the settings correct in the VBA Editor:
Figure 1. The Protection tab of the project�s Properties dialog box.
Now it is time to do a little work in Excel. Follow these steps if you are using Excel 2010 or a later version:
Figure 2. The Summary tab of the workbook�s Properties dialog box.
The steps are slightly different in Excel 2007:
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (8528) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Creating Add-Ins.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
You've turned on Highlight Changes, but how do you know what has been changed? This tip explains how Excel displays those ...
Discover MoreThe standard way to customize Excel is to add tools to the Quick Access Toolbar. The program provides only a limited ...
Discover MoreCells that use the information in a particular cell are called dependent cells. Excel provides auditing tools that allow ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2020-04-07 08:44:15
Richard Curtis
This is all interesting but why would I want or need to create an Add-In? If I open a blank workbook and list available Add-Ins, the first is Analysis ToolPak. There is a brief description but what does it do? How does it work?
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments