This page contains step-by-step instructions for installing The Hero Tools Add-in for Excel. Please leave a comment in our forum if you have any trouble installing add-in.
What's an Excel Add-in File?
An add-in file is an Excel file that contains macros (code) and has the extension “.xla” or “.xlam” (2007 and later). When opened, the worksheets in the file are hidden and the macros are typically accessed through buttons that are added to the toolbar or ribbon. Once installed, an add-in will automatically open every time Excel is opened.
Our add-in files do NOT require an exe installer or separate application to be installed. Therefore, they are typically easier to install if you are using your work computer that restricts you from installing applications.
Video Tutorial
Watch the video to learn how to install the Hero Tools Add-in.
Installation Instructions
Here are the steps to install The Hero Tools Add-in:
Note: The installation process has been simplified with Hero Tools, and is a bit different than the normal steps to install an add-in.
1. Download & Open the Installer File
First, download the installer file. This is a macro-enabled Excel file with an xlsm extension.
Open the file by clicking the downloaded file in your web browser.
Here are images for what this process looks like in the Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge web browsers.
2. Enabled Editing & Macros
Next, click the Enable Editing button in the the installer workbook.
Then click the Enable Content or Enable Macros button that appears.
This will allow you to run the macro that downloads and installs the add-in (xlam) file.
3. Run the Installer
Finally, press the “Download & Install Hero Tools” button in the installer file. This will run a macro that downloads the add-in file from the internet and installs it in your Excel application.
Next, you will be asked if you want to install the add-in. Click Yes.
The add-in should take a few seconds to install and display a confirmation message when complete. Once installed, you will see the Hero Tools tab in the Excel ribbon.
The Hero Tools tab will appear every time you open Excel.
Need Help?
If you have any trouble with the installation process please post the issue in the community forum for Hero Tools. Please be as descriptive as possible with the issue you are experiencing. You can also post screenshots in the forum post.
Alternatively, you can reach us at [email protected].
Technical Notes
The automatic installer will register the add-in with the Add-ins Manager in Excel. You will see the Ec_Hero_Tools item in the Add-ins window list. You can temporarily disable the add-in from that window if needed.
The EC_Hero_Tools.xlam add-in file will be saved in the AddIns folder on your computer at the following folder path.
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\AddIns
This is a system folder and the default location where add-ins are stored. You can move the add-in to a new folder and reinstall it manually in the Add-ins Manager if you'd like.
Here are the instructions on uninstalling the add-in if you need to remove it.