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Shells allow users to upload Excel files containing pre-defined macros within the workbook pages. When the user downloads a view, they can use the shell file as a basis and have the download data poured into the last worksheet in the workbook. The macro in the workbook will create the desired output on the first tab, which could be an invoice, pivot tables etc.. 


If you would like to discuss shell options or would like us to create a shell for you the cost is $150 p/h. 






Uploading the shell


Only .xls and .xlsx files are able to be uploaded as a shell. The data source must be the last worksheet in the workbook (the rightmost on the tabbed list at the bottom). Any data in this last worksheet is subject to overwriting.


Click + Add a shell







Building the shell Using a Custom View 


A custom view is constructed by creating a list of columns and filters.  The default shell columns are simply the default view columns for the type of object to which a shell is attached (single or list). The default columns are the All view for the entity or list in question. Name changes and deleting of custom fields or template fields result in rebuilding the columns of the shell views just as the regular views are rebuilt in this situation. 


Acceptable shell file format


The workbook contains at least one worksheet (which is actually a requirement of Excel). The workbook is also validated against any other requirements at this time. Macros can be written in terms of worksheets which do not yet exist or are deleted, but since references to other worksheets only work for as long as those other worksheets are in the workbook, the user defining the shell must include the worksheet which will be the data source. It must be the last worksheet in the workbook (the rightmost on the tabbed list at the bottom.). Any data in this last worksheet is subject to overwriting.



If you would like to discuss the shell options or would like us to create a shell for you the cost is $150 p/h.