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cmccarro's avatar
cmccarro
Copper Contributor
Jan 26, 2026

How do I save an Excel Add-in (XLAM) file?

We had a new(er) version of Excel shoved on us and the result it it doens't do this, so we're sort of in a bad place. How do I save the add-in?   We were probably on an old-ish version because it was stable and upgrades tend to break us - as they have here.  I'm wondering how I save an add-in now.  Right now our workflow is completely broken.

When I go to File--> Save there is no xlam file type available now.  I can still load an old xlam but I can't create a new one.

excel
Macros and VBA

2 Replies

  • Olufemi7's avatar
    Olufemi7
    Iron Contributor
    Jan 29, 2026

    Hellocmccarro​, 

    You can still save Excel add-ins in newer versions of Excel, but the option only appears under Save As, not Save.

    To save a workbook as an add-in (.xlam), open the workbook that contains your VBA macros, go to File → Save As, in the Save as type dropdown select Excel Add-In (*.xlam), choose a location (by default Excel stores add-ins in C:\Users<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\AddIns), and click Save.

    To load the add-in, go to File → Options → Add-ins, at the bottom select Excel Add-ins from the Manage dropdown and click Go, then browse to your .xlam file and check the box to enable it.

    If you don’t see .xlam in the list, make sure your workbook contains VBA code, since Excel won’t offer the add-in format for a plain workbook. 

    If macros are blocked, check File → Options → Trust Center → Trust Center Settings → Macro Settings and allow macros with notification.

    Microsoft documentation:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/add-or-remove-add-ins-in-excel-0af570c4-5cf3-4fa9-9b88-403625a0b460

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Platinum Contributor
    Jan 29, 2026

    Excel changed the save dialog behavior slightly in newer versions, which can make it feel like you can’t save an add-in (XLAM) anymore.

    If your newer Excel version (Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021) no longer shows the .xlam option in the Save As dialog.

     

    What you can do…

    Use the "Save As" Dialog Correctly

    Even if the .xlam option is missing initially, you can force it:

    In the Save as type dropdown, scroll to the bottom and select:

    • Excel Add-In (*.xlam).
    • If not visible, type *.xlam manually in the "File name" field.
    • Click Save.

     Enable "Excel Add-In" in the Save As Dialog

    Newer Excel versions may hide legacy formats by default. To restore visibility:

    • In the Save As dialog, right-click the toolbar/header.
    • Select All Files or Legacy Formats to reveal .xlam.

    Check Trust Center Settings

    Excel may block .xlam saves due to security policies:

    • Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
    • Select File Block Settings.
    • Ensure Excel Add-in Files is unchecked (not blocked).
    • Click OK to save.

     Use VBA to Save the Add-In Programmatically

    If the UI fails, use this VBA macro to save your file as .xlam:

    Sub SaveAsAddIn()

    Dim filePath As String

    filePath = "C:\YourAddinFolder\YourAddinName.xlam"

   

    ThisWorkbook.SaveAs _

        FileName:=filePath, _

        FileFormat:=xlExcelAddIn, _

        CreateBackup:=False

   

    MsgBox "Add-in saved successfully!", vbInformation

End Sub

    Repair Office Installation

    If .xlam is entirely missing:

    • Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
    • Right-click Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair.
    • Restart Excel and retry saving.

     Check File Associations

    Ensure .xlam files are associated with Excel:

    • Right-click any .xlam file > Open with > Choose another app.
    • Select Excel and check Always use this app.

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

     

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