Get Started with BeamBuddy

Install BeamBuddy for Excel in under 5 minutes. Follow the simple steps below.

🎉 Now Available on Microsoft AppSource!

BeamBuddy is officially listed on the Microsoft AppSource store. Install it directly from Excel with one click — no sideloading required.

Get it from AppSource

Works with Excel for Windows, Mac, and Excel Online. Business accounts supported.

Alternative: Install via Sideloading (manual method)

If you prefer to install manually or your organisation restricts AppSource access, you can sideload the add-in using the manifest file.

✓ Excel Online (Web Browser)

Works for all users - easiest option

✓ Excel Desktop (Personal Accounts)

Non-business Microsoft 365 accounts

💼 Microsoft 365 Business Account Users

BeamBuddy is now available on Microsoft AppSource, which means business accounts can install it directly without IT approval in most cases. If your organisation restricts AppSource add-ins:

1.

Contact your IT team to request permissions for AppSource add-ins or have them deploy BeamBuddy organisation-wide via the Microsoft 365 admin centre

2.

Use Excel Online via a personal Microsoft account as a workaround

System Requirements

  • ✓ Microsoft Excel 2016 or newer (Windows or Mac)
  • ✓ Excel Online (browser-based)
  • ✓ Microsoft 365 subscription (recommended)

Installation Steps

1Download the Manifest File

Click the blue "Download BeamBuddy" button above. This will open a new tab with the manifest file.

To save the file:

  • Windows/Mac: Right-click on the page, select "Save As", save as manifest.xml
  • Or: Press Ctrl+S (Cmd+S on Mac) and save to your Downloads folder
  • Make sure it saves as .xml (not .txt or .html)

2Open Excel

Launch Microsoft Excel and create a new blank workbook.

3Install the Add-in (Choose Your Excel Version)

Note: The exact steps vary by Excel version. Find your version below and follow those steps.

💻 Excel for Windows (Microsoft 365 / Excel 2021+)

  1. Click the Insert tab at the top
  2. Look for the Office Add-ins or Get Add-ins button (right side of ribbon)
  3. In the popup window, click Upload My Add-in in the top-right corner
  4. Click Browse... and find your manifest.xml file
  5. Click Upload - Done!

🍎 Excel for Mac

  1. Click the Insert tab at the top
  2. Click the Add-ins dropdown or Office Add-ins button
  3. Select My Add-ins from the menu
  4. In the dialog box, click Upload My Add-in
  5. Browse to your manifest.xml file
  6. Click Upload - Done!

🌐 Excel Online (Web Browser)

  1. In your Excel workbook, click the Insert tab (or Home tab)
  2. Click Add-ins or Office Add-ins
  3. Click Upload My Add-in (may be under "More Add-ins" dropdown)
  4. Click Browse... and select your manifest.xml
  5. Click Upload - Done!

4Start Using BeamBuddy

Look for the BeamBuddy button in the Home tab ribbon. Click it to open the taskpane and start analyzing beams!

Troubleshooting

🔍 Add-in not showing up after install?

Close Excel completely and reopen it. The add-in should appear in the Home tab ribbon.

🚫 "Upload My Add-in" button is greyed out?

Your organization may have disabled custom add-ins. Contact your IT team or use Excel Online instead.

⚠️ Error loading the manifest?

Make sure the file saved as .xml (not .txt). Right-click the file, select Properties, and check the file type.

💬 Need help?

Contact support at support@beambuddy.com - include your Excel version!

🎬 Video Tutorial Coming Soon!

We're creating a step-by-step video guide to make installation even easier.