Solved: User Help Files for Function Arguments

[MrRhodes2004]

When working with functions, Excel allows the user to access help files. For example, if you are working with the Sum function, you would be able to select the 'Function Arguments' to get to a help window.

This window provides information about the Sum function.

But for user functions this dialog is useless.

How do you write a help file and provide the information like microsoft does? Is there an easy way to do so or do you need special software that I'm not allowed to install here at work?

[rory]

As far as I know you have to create HTML help files - usually compiled CHM files (HTML Help workshop is the MS software usually used I believe). You then have to associate these with the functions.

[mikerickson]

This came from Walkenbach's Power Programming book. To parapharase,

If you open the Macros dialog box and type the function's name into the box labeled "Macro name", clicking the Options button will allow you to enter a description that will be seen in the Insert Function box.


My thought is that descriptive argument variable names are a cheap (i.e. good) way to provide help.

[rory]

There's a thread on CHM files and UDFs here and an article on registering functions here.
HTH

[MrRhodes2004]

Thanks Rory. Registering Functions link http://www.jkp-ads.com/Articles/RegisterUDF00.htm was perfect! That did exactly what I needed it to do and it is EASY! I liked it so much I sent an email to the author.

It isn't exactly what I was looking for but it does what I need even better than what I was trying to do!

[rory]

Jan Karel's site has a lot of great articles on it - I'm sure he'll be glad of the feedback.