How to Create Excel Add-In (with Detailed Steps)

In this article, we will learn how to create an Excel add-in easily. What the add-in basically does is give Excel additional functionality that is highly customizable. Excel is supposed to make things easy, and VBA tries to make them easier. But this has a hell of a lot of complications. You might have to create a macro that takes in an input file and performs the process. A very simple way of doing it would be by converting your code into an Add-in.

What Is an Excel Add-In?

Add-in is an additional functionality of Excel. Sometimes we need to use a specific function or VBA multiple times. We need to call that function or VBA code every time. To get relief from the repeated task, we can set an add-in to perform that task.

How to Create an Excel Add-In: Step by Step Procedure

To create an Excel Add-in, we need to follow some steps sequentially to perform that Add-in successfully. Those are:

• Step 1: Record an Excel Add-in
• Step 2: Save the Add-in in .xlam format
• Step 3: Install the Add-in
• Last Step: Run the Add-in

We will discuss all the steps in detail in the below section.

We will create an Excel Add-in to calculate the interest on the investment, like a bank or other financial organization. Have a look at the below discussion.

Step 1: Record an Excel Add-In

The first step of this process is to record a macro to create an Excel Add-in.

• First, open a blank Excel workbook.
• Go to the bottom section that contains the sheet name.
• Press the right button on the mouse.
• Choose the View Code option from the Context Menu.

• We enter the VBA window.
• Select Module from the Insert tab.

• Now, the VBA module window appears, and we enter the following VBA code:

Function bank_int(principle As Double, rate As Double, timeperiod As Integer)
bank_int = (principle * (1 + rate) ^ timeperiod) - principle
End Function

This VBA defines the operation performed by the Add-in.

Step 2: Save the Add-In in XLAM Format

We already added a VBA code to the Excel file. Usually, we save a VBA code in .xlsm format. But here we will save this in .xlam format as it is an Add-in.

• Go to File >> Save As.
• Choose the Excel Add-in (*.xlam) format and then click on the Save options.

• Go to the File Explorer.

We can see the file is saved in Add-in format.

Step 3: Install the Add-In

Our Excel Add-in file is ready. Now, we will install the newly created Add-in file in another Excel file.

• First, we enter the working Excel file.
• Go to the Developer tab and click on the Excel Add-ins section.

• The Add-ins window appears. Click on the Browse option.

• Now, choose the Add-in file from File Explorer.
• Select the file and press the OK button.

• The Add-ins window again appears.

We can see the new add-in has been added here.

Step 4: Run the Add-In

Now, we will use the newly created add-in.

• This Add-in will be used to calculate the amount of interest.
• We collected all the data in the Excel workbook, where we added the Add-in.

• Now, go to Cell C8. Then, apply the following formula:

• After that, press the Enter button.

We get the result. Now, we will be able to use this add-in in any Excel file on that computer.

Read More: How to Remove Excel Add-In

Download Practice Workbook

Download this practice workbook to exercise while you are reading this article.

Add-In File:

Excel File:

Conclusion

In this article, we describe the steps for how to create an Excel add-in. We also showed how to install and use the newly created add-in. I hope this will satisfy your needs. And feel free to leave queries or suggestions in the comment section.

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