Converting VBA modules to add-ins?

[Kelvin Stott]

Hello, I have developed an integrated Excel-VBA workbook (XLSM file) and would like to protect the VBA code beyond simple password protection. I have read that converting it to an add-in would make it more secure, but I have looked around and can't figure out how to do this. The workbook (XLSM file) includes the following elements:

1. Several complex worksheets with user-defined functions coded in VBA
2. A VBA project with the following elements:
   1. A single VBA module which codes all my macros and user-defined functions for the workbook
   2. Event handlers in the VBA workbook object, which call various named macros defined in the VBA module
   3. Three different user forms, which also call various named macros defined in the VBA module

So my question is how to follow the advice and convert the workbook to an add-in so that it is more secure. Could I just save the entire XLSM file as an XLAM file? Would this really be more secure, and would it keep the current worksheet structure and integrity of the VBA project? Or would I have to convert individual modules or elements of the VBA project into separate add-ins, and how would I do this while retaining the integrity of the workbook?

I'm afraid I really don't understand the difference between a VBA project within an XLSM file, and an add-in within an XLAM file.

Thanks for any help and guidance here.

 

[JoeMo]

Maybe some help here:
How to Create an Add-In from a Normal Excel 2016 Workbook File in VBA - dummies

 

[Kelvin Stott]

Perfect, thank you, Joe. I'm fairly proficient creating VBA scripts within normal xlsm workbooks (thanks also to John W), but no experience at all creating or using add-ins, so I feel the "dummies" reference is entirely appropriate.

Thanks again!

 

[JoeMo]

Perfect, thank you, Joe. I'm fairly proficient creating VBA scripts within normal xlsm workbooks (thanks also to John W), but no experience at all creating or using add-ins, so I feel the "dummies" reference is entirely appropriate.

Thanks again!

You are welcome - thanks for the reply.