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Distribution

One EXE. Your channel.
No royalty.

XLS Padlock outputs a single, signed Windows EXE per workbook. Ship it however you sell software: direct download, Setup installer, WooCommerce store, FastSpring checkout. The same compiled binary serves every customer, royalty-free, with the optional Web Update channel if you want it.

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XLS Padlock Application Packaging Options, where you choose how the secure workbook is packaged for distribution: a standalone EXE or an application package.
Application Packaging Options: pick how XLS Padlock packages your protected workbook for distribution.

Pick the channel that fits your business.

Direct EXE download

Host the compiled EXE on your own server or CDN. Hand customers a URL after checkout. The EXE runs without extra middleware and ships royalty-free.

Web Update channel

Configure XLS Padlock's Web Update: the compiled EXE checks a control file you host on launch. Ship a new version, customers are updated automatically.

Code-signed builds

Bring your own Authenticode certificate. The compiled EXE signs cleanly, so Windows SmartScreen shows your verified publisher name instead of an unknown-publisher warning.

Four steps to a shippable build.

  1. 01

    Compile the workbook

    Build the EXE in XLS Padlock. Result: one self-contained Windows binary that bundles your encrypted workbook, the runtime, and all activation logic.

  2. 02

    Sign with your certificate

    Apply your code-signing certificate via signtool, Azure Trusted Signing, or any compatible signer. The signed EXE passes Windows SmartScreen.

  3. 03

    Wrap in an installer (optional)

    Use the Setup wizard inside XLS Padlock to produce a polished installer with shortcuts, registry entries, and an uninstaller.

  4. 04

    Ship through your channel

    Host on your CDN, sell on WooCommerce or FastSpring, or hand the EXE to your customer directly. You pay no per-copy fee or royalty to G.D.G.

XLS Padlock Distribute App tab showing the Make Zip, Generate Installer, and Copy To Folder distribution methods for a compiled workbook.
The Distribute App tab: package the compiled EXE as a Zip archive, a Windows installer, or copy it to a folder.

Distribution checklist.

  • Royalty-free distribution to unlimited end users
  • Single Windows EXE output; end users need a local copy of Excel installed to run it
  • Compatible with x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) Excel targets
  • Authenticode code signing supported via signtool or Azure Trusted Signing
  • Optional self-extracting Setup installer powered by Paquet Builder
  • Web Update channel: the EXE checks for new versions on a URL you host
  • Standard uninstaller when shipped through a Paquet Builder installer
  • Runs on Windows 11 and earlier supported Windows versions
Free trial · No credit card · No time limit

Protect your Excel workbook in minutes.

One license, every feature included. Lifetime ownership, no subscription.

Try the free trial Buy XLS Padlock