Getting Started

Overview

The Excel-DNA IntelliSense extension gives you in-sheet IntelliSense for user-defined functions.

To provide IntelliSense for your functions, you need to consider two aspects:

1. The function description source, and
2. the IntelliSense display server.

The following function description sources are supported:

1. Method attributes in Excel-DNA add-ins (v0.32 and later). Both [ExcelFunction] / [ExcelArgument] and [Description] attributes are supported.
2. A special Worksheet (possibly hidden) added to an open Excel Workbook or .xla / .xlam add-in.
3. A Custom XML part in an open Workbook.
4. An external .xml file, matching the name of an open Workbook, .xla / .xlam or .xll add-in.

The IntelliSense display server can be:

1. Hosted in a separate add-in (ExcelDna.IntelliSense.xll), or
2. embedded in some Excel-DNA based add-in.

If multiple display servers are loaded (e.g. if different Excel-DNA based add-ins have the display server embedded), then only one display server will be active. Which display server is active will depend on the load sequence and versions, ensuring that the active display server is the newest version loaded.

Function Description Sources

Attributes in Excel-DNA based add-ins

IntelliSense Descriptions Worksheet

External .intellisense.xml File

Display Servers