How to Create an Add-in (142120)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95 7.0a
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh 5.0a
This article was previously published under Q142120

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, you can compile a workbook in Visual Basic for Applications and save it as an add-in.

MORE INFORMATION

CAUTION: Because add-in programs cannot be edited, you should keep a copy of your original workbook so that you can later update or add procedures.

Before you save an add-in, click Summary Info on the File menu in Microsoft Excel 5.0 or click Properties on the File menu in Microsoft Excel 7.0. In the Title box, type a name the your add-in. This name will be used in the add-ins dialog box, which is displayed when you click Add-Ins on the Tools menu. If you do not assign a title for the add-in, a blank check box representing your custom add-in box will appear in the add-ins dialog box.

To create an add-in program:

  1. With a Visual Basic module, Microsoft Excel 4.0 macro sheet, or a dialog sheet active in the workbook that you want to convert, click Make Add-In on the Tools menu.
  2. In the Directories box in Microsoft Excel for Windows or the Folders box in Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, click the directory or folder in which you want to save the file.
  3. In the File Name box, type the name you want for the compiled add-in file.
  4. click OK.
To install an add-in:

  1. On the Tools menu, click Add-ins.
  2. Select the check box next to the add-in you want to install.
  3. Click OK.
If the add-in you want to install is not listed in the Add-ins dialog box, choose the Browse button and locate the add-in.

In order to use a macros from the add-in you create, click References on the tools menu from a module sheet and assign a reference to your custom add-in. At this point, you can call the macros from your custom add-in just as you would from any other workbook.

REFERENCES

In Microsoft Excel version 7.0, for more information about creating Add- ins, click Answer Wizard on the Help menu and type: 

   What is an add-in application, and where can I learn more about add-
   ins?


For information on how to create an add-in in Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows or Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

156942 : XL97: How to Create an Add-in File in Microsoft Excel 97

"Visual Basic Users Guide for Microsoft Excel," version 5.0, Chapter 13, "Creating an Add-In Application."
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/15/2003
Keywords:kbhowto kbinfo kbProgramming KB142120
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.