How to add to Excel
After building a preview, you'll get a manifest URL. Use it to sideload your add-in into Excel. Some options may require you to download the manifest and upload it. Preview builds are a quick way to test your functions — they are not meant for actual production use. They will be hosted for 7 days and then automatically deleted.
Excel on the web
- Open a workbook at excel.new or on office.com.
- Go to Home > Add-ins and click More Add-ins.
- Click Upload My Add-in (top-right of the dialog).
- Paste your manifest URL or upload it into the field and click Upload.
- Your functions are now available. Type
=NAMESPACE.to see them.
The add-in is stored in your browser's local storage. If you clear your cache or switch browsers, you'll need to sideload it again.
Excel on Windows
- Download the manifest XML from your manifest URL and save it somewhere permanent.
- In Excel, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Trusted Add-in Catalogs.
- Under Catalog URL, enter the folder path where you saved the manifest (e.g.
\\server\shareor a local folder path). Check Show in Menu and click OK. - Restart Excel.
- Go to Home > Add-ins > More Add-ins. Select SHARED FOLDER at the top, then add your add-in.
Alternatively, use Excel on the web with the same Microsoft account — sideloaded add-ins sync to desktop Excel automatically.
Excel on Mac
- Download the manifest XML from your manifest URL.
- Open Finder and press Cmd+Shift+G.
- Go to
/Users/<username>/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.Excel/Data/Documents/wef. Create theweffolder if it doesn't exist. - Copy the manifest XML into the
weffolder. - Open (or restart) Excel. Go to Home > Add-ins and select your add-in.
Removing an add-in
If your add-in causes formula conflicts, you want to start fresh, or you are ready to publish your add-in for production use:
- Excel on the web: Go to Home > Add-ins, find your add-in under MY ADD-INS, click the three-dot menu next to it, and choose Remove.
- Windows: Go to Home > Add-ins > More Add-ins > MY ADD-INS, click the three-dot menu next to your add-in, and choose Remove. If you used a shared folder catalog, also remove the manifest file from that folder.
- Mac: Delete the manifest XML from the
weffolder and restart Excel.