Question 1

What is VBA Padlock?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock is a compiler and protection system for Microsoft Office VBA code. It compiles your VBA macros from Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint into secure, obfuscated DLLs with integrated licensing and activation systems — preventing unauthorized access to your source code and letting you sell your VBA applications commercially.

Question 2

Which Office applications does VBA Padlock support?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock supports all major Microsoft Office applications: Excel (workbooks and .xlam add-ins), Word (documents and templates), Access (databases), and PowerPoint (presentations and add-ins). Your compiled VBA code retains full access to each application's COM object model, so all existing functionality is preserved.

Question 3

How does VBA Padlock protect my code?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock compiles your VBA source code into native DLLs (both 32-bit and 64-bit). The original VBA code is transformed into compiled bytecode that cannot be decompiled back to the original source. The compiled DLLs include multiple layers of obfuscation and built-in integrity checks that detect any tampering attempts. Your original VBA source code is physically removed from the Office file — only a lightweight VBA bridge module remains.

Question 4

Do my end users need VBA Padlock installed?

Accepted Answer

No. End users only need Microsoft Office installed on their computer. The compiled DLLs and a small VBA bridge module are all that's needed to run your protected code. VBA Padlock is only required on the developer's machine for compilation.

Question 5

What is the difference between VBA Padlock and VBA project password protection?

Accepted Answer

VBA project password protection only hides your code inside the VBA editor — it can be bypassed in seconds with freely available tools. VBA Padlock takes a fundamentally different approach: it compiles your VBA source code into a native DLL and physically removes the original source from the Office file. There is nothing left to crack in the VBA editor because the code simply isn't there anymore.

Question 6

Does VBA Padlock work with Excel add-ins (.xlam)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VBA Padlock fully supports .xlam add-in files. You can compile the VBA code from your add-in into a protected DLL, distribute the .xlam alongside the bin/ folder containing your DLLs, and your add-in will work exactly as before — with the added benefit of full code protection and optional licensing. See the Protect an Excel Workbook guide for a step-by-step tutorial.

Question 7

Can I protect existing VBA projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can migrate existing VBA code into VBA Padlock by copying your modules into the VBA Padlock Studio editor. The built-in script editor supports all standard VBA constructs. Once compiled, you replace your original VBA modules with the auto-generated VBA bridge, and your Office file calls the protected DLL transparently.

Question 8

Is there a Mac version of VBA Padlock?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock is currently available for Windows only. Since VBA Padlock produces native Windows DLLs that integrate with the Windows version of Microsoft Office, macOS is not supported. Mac users who need to run protected Office files can use solutions like Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp to run Windows and Office on their Mac.

Question 9

Does G.D.G. Software have access to my VBA code or data?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. VBA Padlock operates entirely on your local machine. Your VBA source code, Office files, and compiled DLLs are never uploaded or transmitted to our servers. G.D.G. Software has zero access to your code or data unless you explicitly share files with support for troubleshooting purposes.

Question 10

Is there any documentation or user guide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Comprehensive documentation is available online at vbapadlock.com/doc, covering installation, tutorials, feature guides, API reference, and context-sensitive help for every dialog in the IDE. You can also access the help directly from within VBA Padlock Studio using the Help button in each dialog.

Question 11

What license types can I create for my end users?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock supports four license types: Full (permanent access), Trial (time-limited or launch-limited evaluation), Subscription (renewable, date-based), and Time-limited (fixed expiration date). Each type can be combined with hardware locking to tie the license to a specific computer.

Question 12

How does hardware locking work?

Accepted Answer

Hardware locking binds a license to a specific computer using a unique Hardware ID derived from the machine's hardware components. When you generate an activation key for a specific Hardware ID, it will only work on that computer — preventing unauthorized sharing of license keys. You can configure which hardware components contribute to the ID.

Question 13

Can my users transfer their license to another computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VBA Padlock includes a built-in deactivation feature that lets users release their license on one machine and reactivate it on another. This can be done through the built-in deactivation dialog or automatically via the online deactivation API if you have set up the online activation server.

Question 14

How does online activation work?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock includes a complete PHP activation server kit that you deploy on your own web server. When end users activate your software, the application sends the Hardware ID to your server, which validates the license key and returns a hardware-locked activation key — all fully automatic. The kit supports activation, deactivation, and license validation over HTTPS.

Question 15

Can I use VBA Padlock without licensing, just for code protection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The licensing system is entirely optional. If you only want to protect your VBA source code from being viewed or copied, you can compile your project without enabling any licensing features. Your code will be fully protected in a DLL, and end users can run it freely without activation.

Question 16

What happens when a trial license expires?

Accepted Answer

When a trial expires, the protected functions stop executing and return an error code indicating the trial has ended. You can configure a nag screen that displays the remaining days or launches, and guide the user to purchase a full license. The transition from trial to full license is seamless — the user simply enters a valid activation key.

Question 17

How are license keys secured against forgery?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock offers two key formats. Short keys use strong cryptographic signatures for compact, easy-to-type keys. Long keys use ECC Ed25519 asymmetric digital signatures, making them mathematically impossible to forge without the private key. In both cases, keys are project-specific and cannot be reused across different applications.

Question 18

What are the system requirements?

Accepted Answer

For development: Windows 7 SP1 or later. For end users: Windows 7 SP1 or later with Microsoft Office 2016 or later, including Microsoft 365 desktop apps (both 32-bit and 64-bit editions are fully supported). VBA Padlock is a native Windows application — no .NET Framework, Java, or other runtime is required.

Question 19

How do I integrate the compiled DLL with my Office file?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock generates a VBA bridge module automatically. You import this module into your Office file and call your protected functions using VBAPL_Execute("FunctionName", param1, param2, ...). The bridge handles loading the correct DLL (32-bit or 64-bit) based on the running Office version. No manual DLL declaration is needed.

Question 20

Does the compilation change how my VBA code works?

Accepted Answer

No. Your compiled VBA code runs with full access to the Office application's COM object model, just like regular VBA. You can read and write cells, manipulate documents, query databases, and use all standard VBA functions. The only difference is that your code runs from a secure DLL instead of the VBA editor.

Question 21

Can I include multiple VBA modules in a single DLL?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VBA Padlock Studio includes a Project Explorer that lets you organize your code across multiple script modules within a single project. All modules are compiled into one DLL. You call functions from a specific module using the "ModuleName|FunctionName" syntax, or call functions in the default Main module directly by name.

Question 22

Does VBA Padlock support both 32-bit and 64-bit Office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every compilation produces both a 32-bit and a 64-bit runtime DLL automatically. The VBA bridge detects which Office version is running and loads the appropriate DLL at runtime. Your end users don't need to know or care which Office bitness they have — it just works.

Question 23

What files do I need to distribute to my end users?

Accepted Answer

You distribute your Office file (with the VBA bridge imported) and a bin/ folder containing three DLLs: the 32-bit runtime, the 64-bit runtime, and the satellite DLL with your compiled code. VBA Padlock can automatically create a ready-to-ship ZIP archive or copy everything to a distribution folder with the correct structure.

Question 24

Can I test and debug my compiled code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VBA Padlock Studio includes a built-in Test Runner that lets you compile and execute your functions directly from the IDE without needing to open Office. You can pass test parameters, inspect return values, and iterate quickly. For integration testing, you can also run the compiled DLL from your Office file during development.

Question 25

Are all VBA functions supported in compiled scripts?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock includes a comprehensive extension library with 80+ built-in functions covering strings, math, dates, file I/O, arrays, and more. Your compiled code also has full access to the host Office application's COM object model, so you can call Excel, Word, Access, or PowerPoint APIs exactly as you would from the VBA editor.

Question 26

Can I send protected Office files by email?

Accepted Answer

The Office file itself (e.g., .xlsm, .docm) can be sent by email, but the DLL files in the bin/ folder may be blocked by email filters and antivirus software. We recommend distributing your protected application as a ZIP archive or using a file hosting service, cloud storage, or an installer instead. VBA Padlock's built-in Distribution tool can create a ready-to-ship ZIP for you.

Question 27

Will antivirus software flag my compiled DLLs?

Accepted Answer

The runtime DLLs are digitally signed by G.D.G. Software with an Authenticode certificate, which helps antivirus software and Windows SmartScreen recognize them as legitimate. In rare cases, some overly aggressive antivirus programs may flag unfamiliar DLLs. If this happens, you can submit the file to the antivirus vendor for whitelisting — the digital signature helps expedite this process.

Question 28

What does the license include?

Accepted Answer

The Standard License (199.95 EUR) is a lifetime, perpetual license that never expires for your purchased version. It includes all Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), 32-bit and 64-bit DLL compilation with obfuscation, the complete licensing system with hardware locking, built-in key generator, EULA management, 2 simultaneous activations, a 12-month maintenance, and a free PHP activation server kit as a bonus.

Question 29

How do I purchase VBA Padlock?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase online through our resellers FastSpring or Paddle. After placing your order, you instantly receive license instructions (on the website and by email), and your license is automatically added to your G.D.G. Software account. If you don't have an account yet, one is created for you — just set a password on your first login. Wire transfer, SEPA, purchase order, money order, and check payments are also available through FastSpring or by contacting us directly.

Question 30

What is the maintenance plan?

Accepted Answer

Your first 12 months of maintenance are included with the license. An active maintenance gives you free minor and major upgrades, access to latest versions and registered-user downloads (key generators, PHP SDK, activation kit), priority free basic technical support via email and forum, and important discounts for renewal. Renew before expiration and get a 50% discount. If you let your maintenance expire, upgrades cost 25% of the current license price. Your purchased version always continues to work, even without active maintenance.

Question 31

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Trial edition is a full-featured release — all capabilities available in the registered software are present, so you can try every feature and verify VBA Padlock works for your use case. The only differences: applications compiled with the Trial edition display a nag message at startup and have an automatic expiration date. Buy a license to remove those restrictions. The Trial edition itself does not expire — only the applications you build with it do. Note: you are not allowed to distribute applications made with the Trial edition.

Question 32

Are there any discounts available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To celebrate the launch, use coupon code LAUNCH2026 at checkout to save 20 EUR (10% off), bringing the price down to 179.95 EUR. If you plan to purchase several licenses, contact us for possible volume discounts.

Question 33

Are there any per-user or royalty fees for my end users?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no hidden costs, no per-seat fees, and no royalties. You buy a license of VBA Padlock for yourself and you can then distribute your compiled DLLs to any number of end users according to the license agreement terms. No extra fee is required for end users.

Question 34

How many computers can I install VBA Padlock on?

Accepted Answer

The Standard License is a Named User license that allows 2 simultaneous activations, so you can install VBA Padlock on two computers (for example, a desktop and a laptop) provided you are the only person using the license. A built-in deactivation facility lets you transfer your license from one computer to another. If you need more activations, contact us.

Question 35

Is it a one-time fee or a recurring subscription?

Accepted Answer

VBA Padlock is a one-time perpetual license — you pay once and your activation code will always work with the version you purchased. The first year of maintenance (upgrades and support) is included. After that, maintenance renewal is optional: your existing version continues to work indefinitely even without renewal. Future versions may require an updated activation that is effective only if you have an active maintenance.

Question 36

I lost my activation code. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

You can retrieve your activation code by logging into your G.D.G. Software account. Your license is automatically added to your account at purchase. If you no longer have access to your account, contact support with your purchase details (order number, email used for purchase) and we will help you recover your license information.

Question 37

Do you have a refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please refer to our refund policy for complete details. We strongly recommend downloading and evaluating the free Trial edition before purchasing — it includes all features so you can verify everything works for your use case.

Question 38

What happens if G.D.G. Software goes out of business?

Accepted Answer

In the unlikely event that G.D.G. Software ceases operations, we are committed to releasing an offline activation mechanism that would allow all licensed users to continue activating and using the software on any computer indefinitely.

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