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3rd Party Product Integration

Add-Ins

Created in Excel

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Add-Ins

Created in VSTO

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Add-Ins

Which Is Best for You?

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Add-Ins

We Can Build Yours!

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Seamless Integration

Extending Microsoft Excel Functionality

An Excel add-in contains code to extend Excel's functionality, usually in the form of new functions, custom ribbon or toolbar buttons. Once an add-in is deployed to your Excel environment, the new functions and buttons are available to all of your Excel workbooks to automate your repetitive tasks and processes. Excel add-ins can be created with:

Excel using the VBA programming language

VSTO using .NET programming languages

Add-Ins Created in Excel

Add-in files created in Excel are workbooks saved with an add-in file extension. In Excel 2007 and above, the ribbon or toolbar can be customised and buttons added to run VBA macros. VBA add-in files are copied into Excel's add-in or start up directories on each user's PC. Those add-in files are automatically loaded each time Excel starts up and the VBA macros contained within are available to all workbooks.

Larger organisations often use login scripts to install add-in files, to seamlessly deploy add-in features to a user's PC.

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Add-Ins Created in VSTO

VSTO is a set of development tools available with Microsoft Visual Studio that supports the Microsoft .NET Framework. It is used by developers to write code connecting Microsoft Office applications. Developers using VSTO can use .NET languages, instead of using VBA. VSTO add-ins are installed on a PC and are compiled applications. From a security point of view, VSTO created add-ins are perfect for distributing code that you want to protect.

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Got Questions?

Our Experts Await Your Call!

We have developers and programmers across Australia with solutions to automate your tasks and let you get back to what you are good at,
your business!

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Quote or
hourly rate

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Ongoing
support

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Remote access
or onsite

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Tailored
training

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Which Add-in Is Best for You?

Firstly, it is important to consider whether an add-in is the right solution for you. If the code you need is required for all workbooks, then an add-in could be a smart choice.

If the add-in features are for your organisation only and security and deployment won't be a barrier for you, then a simple VBA add-in will suit your needs, otherwise a VSTO add-in may be required.

We Can Build Your Add-Ins!

Our developers can work in all areas of add-in development. If you need help with design or with determining what is best for your organisation, then our experienced Excel programmers can help analyse and develop a solution that suits your business requirements.

Our experts are ready to talk through your requirements and take your business to the next level.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.

What's the difference between VBA and VSTO add-ins in Excel?

VBA add-ins are created in Excel with basic automation features, while VSTO add-ins are built using Visual Studio with .NET Framework for enhanced security and enterprise-level functionality.
Q2.

How are Excel add-ins deployed across an organization?

VBA add-ins are copied to Excel's startup folders and load automatically. Large organizations typically use login scripts for automated deployment. VSTO add-ins require installation on each PC.
Q3.

When should I consider developing an Excel add-in for my business?

Consider an Excel add-in when you need functionality available across multiple workbooks, want to automate repetitive tasks, or require custom functions accessible throughout your organization.
Q4.

Which type of add-in should I choose: VBA or VSTO?

Choose VBA add-ins for simpler organizational needs and easy deployment. Select VSTO add-ins when you require enhanced security, code protection, or advanced .NET features.
Q5.

What ongoing support and training options are available for Excel add-ins?

We provide remote and onsite support, customized training programs, and ongoing maintenance services. Available as hourly rate or project-based solutions across Australia.

Contact Us

Get in touch with our team for general enquiries and support. We're here to help with any questions you might have about our services.

Request a Quote

Need pricing for a specific project? Fill out our quote form and we'll provide you with a detailed estimate tailored to your needs.