VBA Padlock Studio

VBA Padlock includes a dedicated development environment — VBA Padlock Studio — for managing your projects, writing protected scripts, configuring licensing, and compiling your VBA code into protected DLLs.

The Ribbon Interface

The Studio uses a modern ribbon interface designed to follow the natural workflow of protecting your application.

Project and Build
Licensing Features

VBA Padlock Studio - Project and Build Tab

The primary tab for development where you manage your source code and build your protected project.

Key Operations

Open Office File: Load your Excel, Word, or PowerPoint file to start.
Project Info: Define your DLL metadata (name, version) and unique Security Code.
Script Templates: Access a library of pre-built code patterns.
Compile (F5): Transform your VBA script into an encrypted, compiled DLL.
Test Runner (Ctrl+F6): Test your compiled functions instantly without opening Excel.
VBA Bridge & Wrapper: Tools to automate the connection between Office and your DLL.
Publish & Distribution: Finalize your build and prepare files for delivery.
Advanced Tools: Password-protect your VBA project or create a full installer.

Powerful Code Editor

VBA Padlock Studio features a built-in editor specifically optimized for writing compiled VBA logic.

VBA Padlock Code Editor

VBA-Compatible Syntax: Full highlighting for keywords, strings, and comments.
Modular Design: Organize your code into multiple .bas modules (handled as tabs).
Secure by Default: Your code never leaves the encrypted environment until it’s compiled into the DLL.
Rich Library: Access over 60+ built-in functions directly from your compiled scripts.

Project Structure

When you create a project, VBA Padlock Studio creates a hidden environment alongside your Office file to store your source code and settings.

Workspace Layout

MyWorkbook.xlsm                ← Your Office file
MyWorkbook.vbapadlock/          ← Secure Project Folder
├── project.xml                 ← Project settings (XML)
├── Main.bas                    ← Your protected VBA logic
├── Helpers.bas                 ← Additional script modules
└── locale_en-US.json           ← Custom UI localized text

Productivity & Automation

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
`F5`	Compile Project
`Ctrl`+`F6`	Launch Test Runner
`Ctrl` + `S`	Save Current Project
`Ctrl` + `N`	Create New Module
`Ctrl` + `O`	Open Office File

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

For CI/CD pipelines and automated builds, you can run the Studio headlessly:

VBAPadlock.exe "C:\Path\To\MyFile.xlsm" --compile --silent --log:build.log

Switch	Description
`--compile`	Build the project immediately.
`--silent`	Run without a GUI (headless mode).
`--publish`	Build for production (disables HotLoading debugging).
`--log`	Output build results to a specific file.

Next Steps

UI Reference

Explore every dialog and setting in detail. View reference →

Quick Start

Protect your first workbook in under 5 minutes. Follow the guide →

Compatibility

Check which VBA features are supported in compiled code. Learn more →