Getting started

To get started with XLlama (and Ollama), watch the video below #

Install the classic Excel add-in #

1. Extract the downloaded ZIP and keep the .xlam file in a permanent folder.
2. On Windows, close Excel, right-click the downloaded add-in, and choose Properties. If Unblock is present, select it and click Apply.
3. In Excel for Windows, open File > Options > Add-ins, choose Excel Add-ins beside Manage, then click Go. On macOS, open Tools > Excel Add-ins.
4. Click Browse, select the extracted .xlam file, and make sure its checkbox is selected. The product tab should appear in Excel’s ribbon.

Connect Ollama and try a formula #

1. Install and start Ollama on the same computer as Excel.
2. Open a terminal and download a local model. For a small first test, run:

ollama pull gemma3:1b
ollama list

3. In Excel, open XLlama > Settings. Use http://localhost:11434 for a local Ollama connection, refresh the model list, and choose the model you downloaded. Test the connection and save the settings.
4. Try =XLlamaPrompt("Reply with hello") in one empty cell. Wait for the result before adding more formulas.
5. For further examples, click XLlama > Insert Example Sheet.

The first model download needs an internet connection and enough storage. The model must fit your computer’s available memory; start small if responses are slow.

Ollama Website: https://ollama.com/

Are you on macOS? Check out the videos below #

• How to install Ollama
• How to install XLlama on macOS