Installing This Add-in Inside Excel

The SideKick Excel add-in installs just like any normal Excel add-in (.xlam) file. If this is your first time installing an Excel add-in you can view step-by-step instructions on how to get the file set up in this instructional post:

How to Install and Uninstall A VBA Add-in File For Microsoft Office

Does Your SideKick Button Keep Disappearing?

Due to a security update released by Microsoft in July 2016, add-in files you download from the internet are “blocked” by default. To unblock the file or create a “safe” folder location for your add-ins, please read my article to keep your add-ins showing in your Excel Ribbon (it’s a pain, but is fast and easy to do!).

Prevent Microsoft Office Add-ins From Disappearing From The Ribbon Interface

How To Use SideKick

Locating The SideKick Button

The SideKick button will be located inside Excel’s Formula tab within the Calculation section

The SideKick Userform

After clicking the SideKick button a userform will launch that will give you a variety of options to manipulate your selected data. You may keep the userform floating permanently on your screen by clicking the Pin icon in the upper left-hand corner of the userform.

Once you have selected your desired configuration, click the Calculate button and SideKick will go to work manipulating your selected data.

Please note that this data manipulation can not be undone unless you perform a SideKick calculation again to carry out the opposite mathematical operation. For example, if you originally add 5 to all your numbers, you could “undo” it by subtracting 5.

SideKick Settings

If you click the Gear icon near the top-right corner of the SideKick userform, you can launch the add-in settings. In the settings, you can choose the default operator and mathematical value when SideKick launches. There are also the options to choose any default functions (ie Include Formulas) for when SideKick starts up.

You can also determine if you would like to have a Large or Small sized icon in the Formulas tab. Click the Save button to save your preferred setting choices.

Add SideKick To Your QAT

For even quicker access to SideKick, you may want to add it to your QAT (Quick Access Toolbar). You can easily do this by right-clicking on the SideKick button and selecting Add to Quick Access Toolbar. This will allow you to launch SideKick without the need to navigate to the Formulas tab.

Chris Newman

Chris is a finance professional and Excel MVP recognized by Microsoft since 2016. With his expertise, he founded TheSpreadsheetGuru blog to help fellow Excel users, where he shares his vast creative solutions & expertise. In addition, he has developed over 7 widely-used Excel Add-ins that have been embraced by individuals and companies worldwide.