Excel add-ins are powerful tools that can extend the functionality of Excel. However, sometimes add-ins can go missing from the Excel interface. This can be frustrating for users who rely on add-ins to get their work done. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot why your add-ins are not visible and how to get them back up and running.
Part 1. What is Add-in in Excel?
An Add-in in Excel is a third-party application or extension that adds extra features and functionalities to the Excel software, enhancing its capabilities beyond its default features. These add-ins can provide specialized tools for data analysis, reporting, visualization, automation, and more, making them incredibly valuable for users looking to streamline their tasks and work more efficiently.
Components of an Excel add-in:
Web Application: Utilizes the Office JavaScript API to interact with Excel objects and online resources. Can be built using various frameworks and hosted on any web server.
Manifest: Configuration file specifying how the add-in integrates with Office clients. Includes settings, capabilities, and permissions.
Capabilities of an Excel add-in:
Add-in Commands: Extend Excel UI, initiate actions, and add buttons to the ribbon or context menus.
Task Panes: Surface on the right side of the window for interface controls that modify documents or display data.
Custom Functions: Define new functions in JavaScript as part of the add-in, accessible like native Excel functions.
Dialog Boxes: Floating surfaces above Excel for tasks like sign-in pages, action confirmations, and video hosting.
Content Add-ins: Embed web-based objects like charts or media into worksheets, enhancing document functionality.
Part 2. Why Add-ins Not Showing in Excel and How to Solve It?
Reasons/Factors:
Excel Version Compatibility: Some add-ins may not be compatible with certain versions of Excel, causing them not to appear. Compatibility issues can arise due to differences in functionalities or API support between Excel versions.
Disabled Add-ins: Add-ins can be intentionally or unintentionally disabled by users or Excel's settings. Disabled add-ins won't appear until they are re-enabled.
Conflicting Add-ins: Multiple add-ins with overlapping functionalities might conflict, leading to visibility issues. Conflicts can arise when add-ins interfere with each other's functions or user interfaces.
How to Solve It
Method 1: Don't Open Add-in by Double-Clicking
Opening Excel add-ins by double-clicking the .xlam file can cause them to disappear every time Excel is reopened. To prevent this, activate the add-in from within Excel using the following steps:
Step 1: Open Excel and click on "File."
Step 2: Select "Options" on the left-hand side.
Step 3: Navigate to "Add-ins" on the left-hand side.
Step 4: In the drop-down field at the bottom of the window, ensure "Excel add-ins" is selected and click "Go."
Step 5: Click on "Browse..."
Step 6: Find the add-in file on your hard drive and select it.
Step 7: Click "OK." If the add-in no longer disappears after restarting Excel, you're done. If the issue persists, proceed with method 2 or method 3 below.
Method 2: Prevent Add-in Disappearance by "Unblocking" the File
This method prevents Excel add-ins from disappearing and is relatively straightforward. However, note that you need to repeat these steps for any updates to your add-in.
Step 1: Locate the add-in file in Windows Explorer and right-click on it.
Step 2: Choose "Properties."
Step 3: At the bottom of the "Properties" window, check "Unblock."
Please note: This method is effective after you've activated the add-in from within Excel using method 1. It won't work if you've double-clicked the add-in file to open it.
Method 3: Define a "Trusted Folder"
This method is more comprehensive and offers a lasting solution, especially when updating or adding new add-ins. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Excel and click on "File."
Step 2: On the left-hand side, click "Options."
Step 3: In the "Options" window, go to "Trust Center."
Step 4: On the "Trust Center" page, click "Trust Center Settings."
Step 5: A new window ("Trust Center") will open. Click "Add new location."
Step 6: Click "Browse" to select the folder containing your add-in.
Step 7: Confirm your selection three times by clicking "OK." selection three times by clicking "OK."
Part 3. How to Add and Use Add-in in Excel
Adding and using add-ins in Excel can enhance your workflow and provide access to additional functionalities. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to add and use add-ins:
Step 1: Open Excel and Access the Add-ins Store
Open Microsoft Excel and click on the "Insert" tab in the ribbon at the top.
Step 2: Explore Available Add-ins
In the "Insert" tab, locate the "Add-ins" group. Click on the "Get Add-ins" button.
Step 3: Browse and Choose an Add-in
The "Office Add-ins" dialog box will appear. Browse through the available add-ins or use the search bar to find a specific one. Click on an add-in to view its details.
Step 4: Install the Add-in
Once you've chosen an add-in, click on the "Add" button next to it. The add-in will start installing.
Step 5: Access the Installed Add-in
After installation, the add-in will appear in the "Add-ins" group on the "Insert" tab. You can now use the add-in's features.
Part 4. A Free Advanced Office Software Choice: WPS Office
WPS Office is a versatile and advanced office software suite that offers a wide range of features to enhance your productivity. With its basic functions and cutting-edge AI capabilities, WPS Office is an excellent choice for users seeking a comprehensive and free office solution.
Feature
Writer: A word processor for creating and editing text documents with rich formatting.
Spreadsheets: A tool for performing calculations, data analysis, and creating charts.
Presentation: Software for designing and delivering captivating slideshows with animations.
PDF: A reader and editor for viewing, annotating, signing, and converting PDF files.
Pros
Price: WPS Office is cost-free, providing a budget-friendly solution with extensive features.
Capability: From document creation to advanced data analysis and presentation design, WPS Office offers a wide range of functions.
Easy to Use: With a user-friendly interface similar to popular office software, it's accessible to newcomers and experienced users alike.
Customer Service Excellence: WPS Office offers strong customer support, promptly addressing users' queries and concerns.
FAQs:
1. What add-ins are available in Excel?
Ablebits Duplicate Remover
Bing Maps
FRED Data
Lucidchart
Analysis ToolPak
Professor Excel Tools
Wikipedia
These add-ins offer various features, from data analysis to chart creation, expanding Excel's capabilities.
2. Are add-ins safe?
Excel add-ins, distributed as .XLL files, can add valuable features or risk malicious actions. Similar to macros, they can potentially install malware, but also provide legitimate enhancements. Careful selection and source verification are essential for ensuring add-in safety.
3.What are Excel expansion packs?
XML expansion packs contain components such as XML files and a manifest, which reference these components. When opening a document attached to an expansion pack, Excel also opens the Document Actions task pane, offering enhanced functionality and task organization.
Summary
In short, this guide covered Excel add-ins comprehensively, from understanding what they are and troubleshooting when they disappear to adding and using them effectively. The step-by-step tutorials and explanations provided clarity on these topics, making Excel tasks more streamlined and efficient.
Among the options, WPS Office stands out. With its basic functions and user-friendly design, along with the added benefits of AI features, it offers a great choice for those looking for a free office software. Its simplicity and helpful customer service make it an excellent tool to boost your office productivity.
