Office Add-ins aren’t the only ones that you can use to extend Excel 2016’s built-in features in some way. You can also use built-in add-ins created by Microsoft or third-party Excel add-ins that you can purchase from a wide variety of vendors.
Steps to Make Worksheets Visible in Xlam File Press Alt + F11 to view the VBA editor. On left hand side, Project Explorer click on 'VBAProject (filename.xlam)'. Click on 'Microsoft Excel Objects' -> 'Thisworkbook'. This will enable the 'Properties' window for Thisworkbook.
Before you can use any Excel add-in program, the add-in must be installed in the proper folder on your hard drive, and then you must select the add-in in the Add-Ins dialog box.
There are two different types of Excel add-in programs immediately available that you can use to extend the features in Excel 2016:
- Excel Add-ins: This group of add-ins (also known as automation add-ins) is designed to extend the data analysis capabilities of Excel. These include Analysis ToolPak, Euro Currency Tools, and Solver.
- COM Add-ins: COM (Component Object Model) add-ins are designed to extend Excel’s capability to deal with and analyze large amounts of data in data models (collections of related database tables). These include Inquire, Microsoft Office PowerPivot for Excel, and Power View.
When you first install Excel 2016, the add-in programs included with Excel are not loaded and therefore are not yet ready to use. To load any or all of these add-in programs, you follow these steps:
- Click the File menu button, click Excel Options or press Alt+FT to open the Excel Options dialog box, and then click the Add-Ins tab.The Add-Ins tab lists all the names, locations, and types of the add-ins to which you have access.
- (Optional) In the Manage drop-down list box at the bottom, Excel Add-Ins is selected by default. If you want to activate one or more of your COM add-ins, select COM Add-Ins from the Manage drop-down list.
- Select the Go button.If Excel Add-Ins was selected in the Manage drop-down list box, Excel opens the Add-Ins dialog box (similar to the one shown), showing all the names of the built-in add-in programs you can load. If COM Add-Ins was selected, the COM Add-Ins dialog box appears instead.
- Click the check boxes for each add-in program that you want loaded in the Add-Ins or COM Add-Ins dialog box.Click the name of the add-in in the Add-Ins Available list box to display a brief description of its function at the bottom of this dialog box.
- Click the OK button to close the Add-Ins or COM Add-Ins dialog box.Activating built-in Excel add-ins in the Add-Ins dialog box.
When you first install Excel 2016, the program automatically loads all four add-ins (Analysis ToolPak, Analysis ToolPak – VBA, Euro Currency Tools, and Solver Add-In) displayed in the Add-Ins Available list box. The tools in the two Analysis ToolPaks are added as special functions to the Function Library group and the Euro Currency tools to a Solutions group on the Formulas tab. The Solver add-in appears in the Analysis group on the Data tab.
Excel add-in programs are saved in a special file format identified with the .XLL or .XLAM (for Excel Add-in) filename extension. These files are normally saved inside the Library folder (sometimes in their own subfolders) that is located in the Office16 folder. The Office16 folder, in turn, is located in your Microsoft Office folder inside the Program Files folder on your hard drive (often designated as the C: drive). In other words, the path is
After an add-in program has been installed in the Library folder, its name then appears in the list box of the Add-Ins dialog box.
If you ever copy an XLAM add-in program to a folder other than the Library folder in the Office16 folder on your hard drive, its name won’t appear in the Add-Ins Available list box when you open the Add-Ins dialog box. You can, however, activate the add-in by clicking the Browse button in this dialog box and then selecting the add-in file in its folder in the Browse dialog box before you click OK.
Managing the standard Excel add-ins
Whether you know it or not, you already have a group of add-in programs waiting for you to use. The following Excel add-in programs are loaded when you install Excel 2016:
- Analysis ToolPak: Adds extra financial, statistical, and engineering functions to Excel’s pool of built-in functions.
- Analysis ToolPak – VBA: Enables VBA programmers to publish their own financial, statistical, and engineering functions for Excel.
- Euro Currency Tools: Enables you to format worksheet values as euro currency and adds a EUROCONVERT function for converting other currencies into euros. To use these tools, click the Euro Conversion or Euro Formatting buttons that appear on the Ribbon in the Solutions group at the end of the Formulas tab.
- Solver Add-In: Calculates solutions to what-if scenarios based on cells that both adjust and constrain the range of values. To use the Solver add-in, click the Solver button that appears on the Ribbon in the Analysis group at the end of the Data tab.
To use one of the additional statistical or financial functions added as part of the Analysis ToolPak add-in, you don’t access the Add-Ins tab. Instead, click the Function Wizard button on the Formula bar, select either Financial or Statistical from the Select a Category drop-down list, and then locate the function to use in the Select a Function list box below.
Managing Excel COM add-ins
The following COM add-in programs are included when you install Excel 2016:
- Inquire: Facilitates the review of workbooks to understand their design, function, inconsistencies, formula errors, and broken links. You can also use Inquire to compare two workbooks to reveal their differences.
- Microsoft Power Map for Excel: Enables you to map geographic data on an interactive 3D globe.
- MicrosoftPower Pivot for Excel: Enables you to build complex data models using large amounts of data. It also facilitates data queries using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) functions.
- MicrosoftPower View for Excel: Provides the means for the interactive data exploration and visual presentation of the data in your Excel data models, encouraging ad-hoc (on-the-spot) data queries.
Keep in mind that you readily manage your COM add-ins using the COM Add-Ins button in the Add-Ins group on the Developer tab. (To display the Developer tab in Excel 2016, choose File→Options→Customize Ribbon [Alt+FTC] and then select the check box in front of Developer in the Main Tabs list box before you click OK.) When you select the COM Add-Ins button, Excel opens the COM Add-Ins dialog box that shows all of the COM add-ins that are installed and activated. Here, you can activate and deactivate individual add-ins as needed.
Purchasing third-party add-ins
The add-ins included with Excel are not the only Excel add-ins that you can lay your hands on. Many third-party vendors sell Excel add-ins that you can often purchase online and then immediately download onto your hard drive.
To find third-party vendors and get information on their add-ins, open your web browser and search for Excel add-ins.
Even before you do a web search, you may want to visit the Add-Ins.com website.
This online outfit offers a wide variety of useful Excel add-ins. One example is the Name Splitter that automatically splits full names that have been entered into single cells into individual first name, middle name or initial, and last name cells (so that the list can then be better sorted and filtered by parts of the names).
Note that you can expect to pay Add-Ins.com between $25 and $50 for add-in programs such as these (really reasonably priced if you consider how many hours it would take to split up names into separate cells in huge worksheets).
Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Creating Add-Ins.
by Allen Wyatt
(last updated April 23, 2018)
(last updated April 23, 2018)
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:
- Load the workbook that is destined to become your add-in.
- Press Alt+F11. Excel displays the Visual Basic Editor.
- At the very top of the Project window, select the bold entry that declares the name of the VBA project that is open.
- Choose the Properties option from the Tools menu. This displays the Project Properties dialog box.
- Make sure the Protection tab is selected. (See Figure 1.)
- Make sure the Lock Project For Viewing check box is selected.
- Enter a password in both fields at the bottom of the dialog box.
- Click on OK. The dialog box closes.
- Press Alt+Q. Excel close the Visual Basic Editor and returns to the Excel workbook.
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 Excel 2013:
- Display the File tab of the ribbon.
- Make sure the Info option is selected at the left side of the dialog box.
- Click the Properties link near the right side of the dialog box and then click Advanced Properties. Excel displays the Properties dialog box for your workbook.
- Make sure the Summary tab is displayed. (See Figure 2.)
- Make sure the Title field is filled in. What you enter here will appear in the Add-Ins dialog box used by Excel.
- Make sure the Comments field is filled in. What you enter here will appear in the description area of the Add-Ins dialog box used by Excel.
- Click on the OK button.
- Press F12. Excel displays the Save As dialog box.
- Using the Save As Type pull-down list, specify a file type of Excel Add-In (*.xlam).
- Specify a name for your add-in file in the File Name field.
- Click on Save. Your add-in file is created.
- Close the workbook you just saved as an add-in.
Figure 2. The Summary tab of the workbook's Properties dialog box.
The steps are slightly different in Excel 2007:
- Click the Office button, Prepare, and then Properties. Excel displays the Document Information Panel just below the ribbon and just above the worksheet.
- Make sure the Title field is filled in. What you enter here will appear in the Add-Ins dialog box used by Excel.
- Make sure the Comments field is filled in. What you enter here will appear in the description area of the Add-Ins dialog box used by Excel.
- Close the Document Information Panel.
- Press F12. Excel displays the Save As dialog box.
- Using the Save As Type pull-down list, specify a file type of Excel Add-In (*.xlam).
- Specify a name for your add-in file in the File Name field.
- Click on Save. Your add-in file is created.
- Close the workbook you just saved as an add-in.
Note:
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ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (8528) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Creating Add-Ins.
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Very helpful. I have a query.
I have created an addin but no matter what I do I cant seem to add a QAT button to go with it. If I create a QAT button it seems to point to my own C:......Roaming.......Addin folder where I have my addin. I tried doing it before.
I have followed the same process as word and since the drop down in word seems to provide this option I was able to attach it to the template. So the word QAT button loaded ok when template is placed in the word startup folder. I do need to test this by sharing the template with others on the network.
I am not sure what I am doing wrong with Excel...
I have created an addin but no matter what I do I cant seem to add a QAT button to go with it. If I create a QAT button it seems to point to my own C:......Roaming.......Addin folder where I have my addin. I tried doing it before.
I have followed the same process as word and since the drop down in word seems to provide this option I was able to attach it to the template. So the word QAT button loaded ok when template is placed in the word startup folder. I do need to test this by sharing the template with others on the network.
I am not sure what I am doing wrong with Excel...
Needs a bit of updating for Excel 2016
Thanks you so much
Hans,
I keep my addin file in a Dropbox folder which I can share with my work computers. I then point Excel addin manager to the shared folder - bingo the same addin on all the computers I use, home, work, mobile ....
If I then think of an amendment or addition, I can make it wherever I am working & save it back. The amendments are then available on all machines when Excel is next loaded.
I keep my addin file in a Dropbox folder which I can share with my work computers. I then point Excel addin manager to the shared folder - bingo the same addin on all the computers I use, home, work, mobile ....
If I then think of an amendment or addition, I can make it wherever I am working & save it back. The amendments are then available on all machines when Excel is next loaded.
Hans Jensen:
Hans, save your macro file as an xlsm or xlsb file (xlsb is faster to load).
Make the file shared. Create this code in the Workbook_Open procedure:
ThisWorkbook.IsAddin= True
Create the following code in the Workbook_BeforeClose procedure:
With ThisWorkbook
.IsAddin = False
.Saved = True
.Close
End With
When the workbook is opened as an add-in it will be hidden for the user but all functionality will remain.
Now save or copy the workbook to a shared drive. Create a shortcut in every users XLSTART folder pointing to the file on the shared drive.
Next time the user start Excel your file will be loaded as an add-in.
You will now be able to maintain and debug your code in your loal copy of the shared file and overwrite the version on the shared drive when you want to publish changes.
Hans, save your macro file as an xlsm or xlsb file (xlsb is faster to load).
Make the file shared. Create this code in the Workbook_Open procedure:
ThisWorkbook.IsAddin= True
Create the following code in the Workbook_BeforeClose procedure:
With ThisWorkbook
.IsAddin = False
.Saved = True
.Close
End With
When the workbook is opened as an add-in it will be hidden for the user but all functionality will remain.
Now save or copy the workbook to a shared drive. Create a shortcut in every users XLSTART folder pointing to the file on the shared drive.
Next time the user start Excel your file will be loaded as an add-in.
You will now be able to maintain and debug your code in your loal copy of the shared file and overwrite the version on the shared drive when you want to publish changes.
Since this page is apparently still read, I try with a question:
How do I manage a .xlam that I want a whole workgroup to be able to use? And I want to be able to maintain it (bug fixes and extentions). It seems to me, when you install an Add-In it is copied locally, so it seems not directly possible to maintain a 'workgroup add-in'?
How do I manage a .xlam that I want a whole workgroup to be able to use? And I want to be able to maintain it (bug fixes and extentions). It seems to me, when you install an Add-In it is copied locally, so it seems not directly possible to maintain a 'workgroup add-in'?
Stuart Jackson:
Stuart, this message will probably not get through to you as you have decided not to return to the site.
I think your view is a bit over the top. You've condemned the whole ship because one of the cabins is not to your liking.
I find this a very useful and interesting site. I have no need to use most of the tips; some I like, some I don't, some I could do better myself. You can't always expect instant wisdom. You need to persevere.
Stuart, this message will probably not get through to you as you have decided not to return to the site.
I think your view is a bit over the top. You've condemned the whole ship because one of the cabins is not to your liking.
I find this a very useful and interesting site. I have no need to use most of the tips; some I like, some I don't, some I could do better myself. You can't always expect instant wisdom. You need to persevere.
![Excel Xlam File Excel Xlam File](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125828128/224131892.png)
Verging on pointless and very frustrating seeing as this thread tells you how to set the add-in up and then nothing; the point of an add-in in my mind is to have a macro to run against any workbook which can be fired from the toolbar and seeing as the 'firing' bit is missing off this thread I have a macro I can't use and will have to hunt elsewhere to find out how to set it up properly. a few extra notes on how to complete the job in full would have been expected. I will not be returning to this site.
Thanks you for this nice explanation. I was unable to find that add-in description is actually grabbed from the Comments field of the file. Fortunately I come across your page.
I also want to note that it is not possible to set the Publisher field of the add-in. It is always displayed as blank, unless your add-in is not an xlam file.
I also want to note that it is not possible to set the Publisher field of the add-in. It is always displayed as blank, unless your add-in is not an xlam file.
ADD-INs are one of the best tools available in MS Excel! I have created over the years many useful functions and macros for various tasks and requires. One in particular is a function that works with feet-inch measurements ie: 5'-4 3/4' converts to 64.75
I deal with a lot of field work measurements and is was always frustrating to do the conversions, so I created a function to do this for me and then saved it as in an add-in file. Now I have this function (among others now) available every time for any file. I can share with co-workers as well.
Add-ins are the best, and they are super easy to update as needed. I have over 20 custom functions I use on a regular bases!
Learn it, use it. It will greatly be worth it.
I deal with a lot of field work measurements and is was always frustrating to do the conversions, so I created a function to do this for me and then saved it as in an add-in file. Now I have this function (among others now) available every time for any file. I can share with co-workers as well.
Add-ins are the best, and they are super easy to update as needed. I have over 20 custom functions I use on a regular bases!
Learn it, use it. It will greatly be worth it.
Thanks, John, that's very clear.
Thanks, John, that's very clear.
rpurosky:
one advantage of an add-in is it makes custom functions easier. If you want to use a custom function in a macro file, you have to have the file open and you have to preface the function name with the filename, like =personal.xlsm!BuildRange(). However if the custom function is in an add-in, it's always available and you don't have to type the filename, just =BuildRange().
one advantage of an add-in is it makes custom functions easier. If you want to use a custom function in a macro file, you have to have the file open and you have to preface the function name with the filename, like =personal.xlsm!BuildRange(). However if the custom function is in an add-in, it's always available and you don't have to type the filename, just =BuildRange().
My main question is what is the purpose of creating an add-in? What can you do with an add-in that you can't with a macro or why would it be easier to use than a macro? Not seeing the 'why' in this tip, just the 'how'.
(Jodi: I can see the graphics fine, so may be your browser settings.)
(Jodi: I can see the graphics fine, so may be your browser settings.)
Figure images for the site do not appear even when selecting 'show pictures' (rt click).. Any suggestions on how to get these to appear?
how does an add-in work with another worksheet? I want to create something that will automate formatting of data and worksheets. Is an add-in the right answer?