Excel 2000 in a Nutshell

Name

Tools → Add-Ins

Synopsis

This option provides the ability to add functionality to Excel by selecting an Add-in on the Add-Ins dialog shown in Figure 8-33. Add-ins are basically just Excel worksheets that have been saved as Microsoft Excel Add-Ins (.xla ). Microsoft includes several different add-ins within the installation that can be selected at anytime.

Figure 8-33. Add-Ins dialog

The Add-Ins available list box lists only the Add-ins that are available in your library folder (typically c:\Microsoft Office\AddIns) or your profile folder (at c:\Windows\user name\Application Data\Microsoft\AddIns). If you don’t find the desired add-in in the Add-Ins available list box select the Browse button and locate the add-in. When you locate and select a new add-in it is added to the Add-Ins available list box. You must select the checkbox next to it in order to load it.

Creating Add-Ins

Any workbook can be saved as an Add-in, but this is only beneficial if the workbook contains macros. When a workbook is saved as an add-in only the macros are usable; all other information within the workbook becomes unusable, since the add-in is actually hidden. Creating an add-in is a good way to prevent access to VBA code that you may have created for your macro.

To create an Add-in you simply need to select File → Save As and then select the “Microsoft Excel Add-In (.xla)” option in the Save as Type field. ...