---
url: /excel-addin/model-setup.md
description: >-
  While end users need to download and install the Excel Add-in to work within
  Excel, Models themselves must be prepared before they can be used.
---

# Setting up your Model for Excel Add-in Use

While end users need to **download and install the Excel Add-in** to work within Excel, Models themselves must be prepared before they can be used.

To ensure a Model can be accessed via the Excel Add-in, the following conditions must be met:

## 1. Create an Application

Each Model that will be accessed via Excel requires an **active Application** to be created within its instance.

Refer to [Creating an Application](/technical/creating-application.md) for setup instructions.

## 2. Add the User as a Contributor

Within the Application, the user must also be explicitly included as a **Contributor**.

See [Contributors](/technical/contributors.md) for details.

Adding a user as a Contributor ensures that **security rules** (such as Cube or Element access restrictions) are enforced consistently, even when working through Excel.

## 3. Common Error Without an Application

If no Application exists for the Model, and a user attempts to run MODLR Excel Add-in functions, the following error will be displayed:

![No Application Excel Add-in Error](/excel-add-in-no-application.png)

***

By completing the above setup steps, your users will be able to access Models securely through the Excel Add-in.