Customization in Excel

This section describes two features that enable you to customize Excel-macros and add-ins.

Macros

Excel's VBA programming language is a powerful tool that can make Excel perform otherwise impossible feats. You can classify the procedures that you create with VBA into two general types:

• Macros that automate various aspects of Excel

• Macros that serve as custom functions that you can use in worksheet formulas

Cross Ref 

Part VI of this book describes how to use and create custom worksheet functions using VBA.

Add-in Programs

An add-in is a program attached to Excel that gives it additional functionality. For example, you can store custom worksheet functions in an add-in. To attach an add-in, use the Add- Ins tab in the Excel Options dialog box.

Excel ships with quite a few add-ins, and you can purchase or download many third-party add-ins from online services. My Power Utility Pak is an example of an add-in.

Cross Ref 

Chapter 23 describes how to create your own add-ins that contain custom worksheet functions.