If you’re trying to protect and distribute an Office-based solution, you may run into two similar names: XLS Padlock and VBA Padlock.
While they share the same DNA of security, they solve two fundamentally different problems.
XLS Padlock: Create Professional Excel Applications
XLS Padlock is a specialized protection software for Excel workbooks (XLS, XLSX, XLSM, XLSB). It transforms your spreadsheets into standalone Windows applications.
Workbook → EXE
Converts your entire Excel workbook into a standalone Windows executable file (.exe).
Excel Only
Specifically designed for Microsoft Excel. It does not work with XLAM add-ins (use VBA Padlock for those).
Application Experience
Customize the Excel interface: hide toolbars, menus, and even disable the 'Save As' command to prevent unencrypted copies.
Silent Macro Activation
Macros are automatically enabled in your protected application without any security prompts or user confirmation.
VBE Protection
Block access to the Visual Basic Editor and prevent code viewing even with passwords.
Automatic Updates
Seamlessly deploy new versions of your Excel application to your users.
Why choose XLS Padlock?
- Full Environment Control: Unlike standard workbooks, XLS Padlock lets you modify the Excel workspace. You can hide the ribbon, status bar, and formula bar to make your workbook look like a custom software.
- Advanced Security: It prevents access to the Visual Basic Editor (VBE), even if the user has the VBA password. This is in addition to the standard VBA project locking.
- Automatic Updates: Easily push new versions of your Excel application to your users.
- IP Protection: Your formulas and workbook structure are encrypted and never leave the application’s memory.
VBA Padlock: Protect Your VBA Source Code
VBA Padlock is a developer tool that focuses on protecting the VBA macros themselves by compiling them into signed DLLs.
VBA → DLL
Compiles your VBA source code into secure, signed 32-bit and 64-bit DLL binaries.
Multi-Office Support
Works seamlessly across Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint. It's the right choice for protecting XLAM, DOTM, or ACCDE files.
Why choose VBA Padlock?
- Macro Focus: It does not protect the content of the workbook cells (formulas/data), but it makes your VBA code virtually impossible to reverse-engineer.
- Commercial Licensing: Includes a robust system for trial periods, hardware locking, and online activation keys.
- Add-in Protection: If you are developing an Excel Add-in (XLAM), VBA Padlock is your only choice, as XLS Padlock does not support add-in files.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | XLS Padlock | VBA Padlock |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Turn workbook into a Standalone App | Protect VBA Macros/IP |
| Output | .exe executable | .dll binaries + Office file |
| Protects Formulas? | Yes (Encrypted) | No |
| Protects VBA? | Yes | Yes (Compiled to DLL) |
| Office Support | Excel Only | Excel, Word, Access, PPT |
| XLAM Support | No | Yes |
| Hide Excel UI | Yes (Customizable) | No |
| Macro Activation | Automatic (No prompt) | Standard Excel behavior |
The 30-Second Decision
Choose XLS Padlock if:
- You want to distribute a standalone Excel-based application.
- You need to protect formulas and cell content.
- You want to control the Excel user interface (hide ribbons, etc.).
- You want macros to run without security warnings.
Choose VBA Padlock if:
- You are building Add-ins (XLAM, DOTM).
- Your main asset is the VBA source code.
- You need protection for Word, Access, or PowerPoint.
- You want to sell your code as a licensed developer component.
Still not sure? Read our detailed Which Padlock Do You Need? guide with an interactive decision helper, scenario cards, and FAQ.