VBA to DLL — How VBA Compilation Works

VBA Padlock compiles your VBA macros into native 32-bit and 64-bit Windows DLLs. The original source code is replaced by bytecode that cannot be decompiled.

What Is VBA to DLL Compilation?

VBA to DLL compilation is the process of transforming your VBA source code into native Windows DLL files containing compiled bytecode. Unlike obfuscation (which scrambles readable code) or password protection (which hides it behind a removable flag), compilation produces a completely different binary format — the original VBA simply does not exist anymore.

VBA Padlock handles the entire pipeline: parsing, bytecode generation, DLL packaging, code signing, and VBA Bridge generation. You write standard VBA code in a dedicated IDE, click Publish, and receive ready-to-distribute signed DLLs.

The Compilation Pipeline

Four steps from VBA source code to signed, distributable DLL files.

Write VBA Code

Write your macros in VBA Padlock Studio — a dedicated IDE with syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and module management.

Compile to Bytecode

Click Compile. VBA Padlock parses your VBA, resolves references, and transforms each function into bytecode stored in a satellite DLL.

Publish Signed DLLs

Click Publish. VBA Padlock produces signed 32-bit and 64-bit runtime DLLs plus the satellite DLL containing your compiled code.

Generate VBA Bridge

A thin VBA module is generated automatically. It loads the DLL and routes calls from your Office file to the compiled functions.

The Compilation Process in VBA Padlock

From the code editor to compiled DLL output — see the process in action.

VBA Padlock Studio code editor with VBA source code — VBA Padlock Studio — write your VBA code with syntax highlighting and autocomplete.

VBA Padlock compilation success dialog showing generated DLL files — Compilation complete — signed 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs ready for distribution.

What VBA Padlock Produces

After compilation, your project folder contains the protected Office file and a bin/ directory with three DLL files. This is the complete distribution package — nothing else is needed.

MyProject/
├── MyProject.xlsm              ← Office file (VBA Bridge only)
└── bin/                         ← DLL directory
    ├── MyProjectrun32.dll       ← 32-bit runtime (Authenticode-signed)
    ├── MyProjectrun64.dll       ← 64-bit runtime (Authenticode-signed)
    └── MyProject.dll            ← Satellite DLL (compiled bytecode)

File	Purpose	Signed
{Name}run32.dll	Runtime for 32-bit Office
{Name}run64.dll	Runtime for 64-bit Office
{Name}.dll	Satellite DLL with compiled bytecode	Optional

Before and After Compilation

Left: the VBA code you write in VBA Padlock Studio. Right: what users see in the VBA Editor — only the Bridge module.

Your Code (compiled into DLL)

Function ProcessData(InputRange, OutputCell)
    Dim Total As Double
    Dim i As Long

    For i = 1 To InputRange.Rows.Count
        Total = Total + InputRange.Cells(i, 1)
    Next i

    Application.ActiveSheet _
        .Range(OutputCell).Value = Total
    ProcessData = Total
End Function

What Users See (VBA Editor)

' VBA Bridge — auto-generated by VBA Padlock
' This module loads the compiled DLL and
' routes function calls. No business logic.

Sub RunProcessData()
    Dim Result As Variant
    Result = VBAPL_Execute( _
        "ProcessData", _
        Range("A1:A100"), "B1")
    MsgBox "Total: " & Result
End Sub

Publish and Distribute

Publish signed DLLs and generate the VBA Bridge module with a single click.

VBA Padlock Publish DLL dialog with signing options — Publish dialog — generate signed 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs.

VBA Bridge module auto-generated by VBA Padlock — Auto-generated VBA Bridge module — the only VBA code in your Office file.

What DLL Compilation Gives You

Compilation is not just about protection — it's a complete distribution framework for professional VBA applications.

Source Code Removed

Your VBA source is compiled into bytecode. There is no readable code left in the Office file or in the DLL. The VBA Editor shows only the Bridge module.

COM Access Preserved

All COM object calls (Application, Workbooks, Documents, Ranges, Recordsets) work exactly as before. The bytecode interpreter handles COM interop seamlessly.

Digitally Signed Output

Runtime DLLs are Authenticode-signed by G.D.G. Software. Windows SmartScreen, antivirus software, and corporate policies trust the signed binaries.

Dual Architecture

Every project produces both 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs. The VBA Bridge loads the correct runtime automatically based on the user's Office installation.

Built-in Licensing

Add license keys, hardware locking, trial periods, and online activation — all compiled into the DLL. No extra code needed in your Office file.

Zero Dependencies

End users need only Microsoft Office (2016+). No runtime, no .NET Framework, no admin rights. Ship your Office file with the bin/ folder and you're done.

Compile VBA from Any Office Application

Excel VBA to DLL

Workbooks, add-ins, UDFs, financial models

Word VBA to DLL

Templates, mail merge, document automation

Access VBA to DLL

Database logic, queries, form automation

PowerPoint VBA to DLL

Presentation macros, slide automation

Learn More

VBA Compilation Feature

Deep dive into the compilation engine

vs Password Protection

Why VBA passwords don't protect code

vs Obfuscation

Why obfuscation is not enough

Sell Your VBA Application

Monetize with licensing and distribution

What Is a VBA Compiler?

Why you need a VBA compiler and how it works

Ready to Secure Your VBA Code?

Download VBA Padlock and start compiling, protecting, and licensing your VBA macros today.

Download Free Trial View Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'VBA to DLL compilation' actually mean?

VBA to DLL compilation transforms your VBA source code into bytecode stored inside a native Windows DLL. The original VBA no longer exists — it is replaced by a binary representation that cannot be decompiled back to readable source code.

Does the compiled DLL work with both 32-bit and 64-bit Office?

Yes. VBA Padlock produces two runtime DLLs — one for 32-bit Office and one for 64-bit Office. The VBA Bridge automatically loads the correct one based on the running Office version. You distribute both, and the right DLL is used transparently.

Can my compiled code still use the Office object model (COM)?

Absolutely. Your compiled code retains full access to the Office COM object model — Application, Workbooks, Documents, Recordsets, and all other objects. The bytecode interpreter bridges COM calls seamlessly.

Is the compiled DLL digitally signed?

Yes. The runtime DLLs are Authenticode-signed by G.D.G. Software, which means Windows SmartScreen, antivirus software, and corporate policies trust them. You can optionally sign the satellite DLL with your own certificate.

How does performance compare to native VBA?

Compiled code runs through VBA Padlock's bytecode interpreter, which is comparable in speed to the native VBA runtime. For business applications — data processing, document generation, licensing checks — the difference is negligible.