Overview of Security Features

XLS Padlock protects an Excel workbook by combining several independent layers: encrypted workbook storage, feature restrictions, formula and VBA protection, controlled workbook opening, code signing, add-in control, and Excel version checks.

1. Define what must stay private. Identify formulas, VBA modules, worksheets, external references, and user data that should not be copied or inspected.

2. Choose the save model. If users need persistent data, enable workbook saving and decide whether saves should be hardware-locked.

3. Lock down Excel actions. Disable only the Excel commands that create a real exposure path for your workbook.

4. Protect code and formulas. Apply formula protection, worksheet passwords, VBE blocking, and VBA Compiler settings where they add meaningful protection.

5. Prepare distribution. Code-sign the .EXE, set compatible Excel versions, and test the protected application on a clean Windows machine.

• Internal workbook
• Commercial workbook
• High-value model

Controlled audience

Use this profile when the workbook is distributed to trusted colleagues or customers who mainly need a reliable compiled workbook.

• Enable workbook saving if users must keep their own data.
• Keep add-ins disabled unless the workbook explicitly needs them.
• Set compatible Excel versions to reduce support cases.
• Consider code signing if the .EXE is shared outside your organization.

When saving is enabled, XLS Padlock creates secure .XLSC or .XLSCE files that can only be opened by your compiled application. This protects user data without distributing the original workbook source file.

Save options let you control how changes are stored: automatic save on close, hardware-locked save files, and welcome screen behavior. You can also explore or delete the save storage folder used by the protected application.

Restrictions reduce what the user can do inside Excel. You can disable print operations, PDF/XPS export, right-click and double-click, ribbon access, clipboard commands, the formula bar, multiple application instances, and fill handle drag-and-drop.

The Cloud and AI options page controls Microsoft 365 connected features that may expose workbook content outside the local Excel session. Use it to disable cloud features, Web Add-ins, and AI assistance when formulas, user data, or generated results must stay local to the protected workbook environment.

VBA security options prevent users from viewing or modifying the VBA project. For stronger protection, use the VBA Compiler so selected VBA code is compiled and no longer shipped as readable source.

Formula protection lets formulas calculate normally while preventing users from viewing or copying the formula logic. You can also manage workbook and worksheet passwords directly from XLS Padlock.

Code signing identifies the publisher of the compiled .EXE and helps reduce Windows SmartScreen and antivirus warnings. It is recommended before distributing protected workbooks to customers.

XLS Padlock disables most add-ins by default. Re-enable only the COM add-ins or common Excel add-ins, such as Analysis ToolPak or Solver, that your workbook requires.

Excel version checks let you define which Microsoft Excel versions can run the protected application. If the installed Excel version is unsupported, the application can display a custom error message.