There are two methods to use an Excel Add-In application. The easier method is as simple as just double click the file.
Method 1: Double click the file
You use the add-in file just like a portable software application. Just double click the Excel add-in and Excel will start with the extra functionality provided by the Excel add-in.
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Just double click the xlam file and its functionality will be available for use. |
To explain further:
- When you double click the downloaded add-in file to start an Excel session Excel will start without a workbook opened.
- You can start a new blank workbook or open an existing workbook to start working with the extra commands and functions provided by the add-in. You can work with multiple workbooks and save your workbooks as usual.
- The add-in does not change your Excel Settings. It commands and functions work only during current session.
- This session will end once you close all Excel workbooks. The functionality in the add-in will cease.
Method 2: Install before use
You can choose to start the Excel add-in automatically every time you start Excel. Remember, you don't need this method if you don't need the Excel add-in to start automatically every time you start Excel.
You need to perform two tasks to setup the Excel add-in:
- To locate and add (install) the add-in file to Add-Ins dialog box list (by manual or installation)
- To activate the add-in by marking the check box
Step 1: To locate and add (install) the add-in file to Add-Ins dialog box
Step 1.1 First we need to open the Add-Ins dialog box:
- For Excel 2010 and 2013: Click File Tab and Excel will display the backstage > Select Options at the left panel and Excel Options dialog box will open > Select Add-Ins at the left panel > Look at the bottom of the dialog box. Select Excel Add-ins from the Manage's drop down list and click Go > The Add-Ins dialog box will open
- For Excel 2007: Click the Office Button at the top left corner of Excel program > Select Options at the left panel and Excel Options dialog box will open > Select Add-Ins at the left panel of Excel Options dialog box > Look at the bottom of the dialog box. Select Excel Add-ins from the Manage's drop down list and click Go > The Add-Ins dialog box will open
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Open the Add-Ins dialog box in Excel 2013 and 2010. |
Step 1.2, again there are two methods to list/ install an add-in to the Add-Ins dialog box.
Method (A)
In the Add-Ins dialog box, click the Browse button to open the Browse dialog box. Then browse and locate the Excel add-in. Double click the add-in you want to "install". This Excel add-in will be listed in the Add-Ins dialog box and marked as activated. Watch the image below.
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Open the Browse dialog box and locate the add-in file. Double click the add-in file to list and activate it in Add-Ins dialog box. |
To remove the add-in from the Add-Ins dialog box's list is easy. Just deactivate the Excel add-in and delete it from its existing location. Excel will detect the deletion and ask your permission to remove it from the list. (Window will prevent the deletion when the add-in is activated (in use)) Watch the image below.
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Delete an add-in from the Add-Ins dialog box. |
Method (B)
In the Add-Ins dialog box, click the Browse button to open the Browse dialog box. The default folder in the Browse dialog box is the default Add-Ins library. Just copy or move the Excel add-in to the folder and double click the Excel add-in. This Excel add-in will be listed in the Add-Ins dialog box and marked as activated. Watch the image below.
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Add the Excel add-in to Add-Ins dialog box and library. |
To remove the add-in from the Add-Ins dialog box's list (and the Add-Ins library folder) is easy. Just deactivate and delete the add-in from its existing location. Excel will detect the deletion and ask your permission to remove it from the list.
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Delete the Add-Ins from the Add-Ins dialog box and library. |
Step 2: To activate the installed Excel add-in by marking the check box
The image below shows Add-Ins Dialog Box and how to activate and deactivate installed add-ins.
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To deactivate an add-in and activate another add-in. |
The animated image above show how you deactivate an add-in and activate another add-in using Add-Ins dialog box. The problem to most people is that the steps to open the Add-Ins dialog box are cumbersome. Read the notes below to add quick access to Add-Ins dialog box.
Conclusion
- Using an add-in with extra functionality just simple, just double click the add-in file (.xlam) to start
- You don't have to use Method 2 if you don't need the add-in to start automatically every time you start Excel.
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Notes: More about Add-Ins Dialog Box
It takes many steps into obscure interfaces to open Add-Ins dialog box. Here are 2 methods to add shortcut to open Add-Ins dialog box on Excel 2013.Method 1: Add a quick access icon to open Add-Ins dialog box
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Setup quick access icon to open Add-Ins dialog box. |
Method 2: Add a Developer Tab
Just add a Developer Tab to the Ribbon. The Developer Tab has a button to open Add-Ins dialog box quickly.
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Adding Developer Tab. |
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