The Unviewable plus project is an attempt to once and for all protect your intellectual VBA property without external file dependencies from the lion's share of hacking tricks. The current methods to password protect your code are either very weak and can easily be hacked with numerous detailed articles published all over the internet or quite complex.
What if you didn’t need to worry about others modifying or even stealing your code? With the Unviewable+ project, this thought is now a reality.
With support from the Excel community's finest, we hired a world-class developer to code our program in a Delphi application. Our Indiegogo campaign contributors have helped us exceed our goal and add several additional features in the program. The Unviewable+ application was shaped by our supporters for our supporters.
An Unviewable plus VBA project cannot be defeated by numerous password hacking software, such as this password removal application. The unviewable plus VBA application is not based on the old shared workbook trick, which is easy to defeat and cannot be used, if there are Tables in your workbook or add-in.
The software is an executable that will turn your add-in (or workbook) into an add-in (or workbook) with an unviewable VBA project. Besides Excel macro-enabled files, the unviewable+ application can also protect macro-enabled PowerPoint presentations and Word documents.
What if you didn’t need to worry about others modifying or even stealing your code? With the Unviewable+ project, this thought is now a reality.
With support from the Excel community's finest, we hired a world-class developer to code our program in a Delphi application. Our Indiegogo campaign contributors have helped us exceed our goal and add several additional features in the program. The Unviewable+ application was shaped by our supporters for our supporters.
An Unviewable plus VBA project cannot be defeated by numerous password hacking software, such as this password removal application. The unviewable plus VBA application is not based on the old shared workbook trick, which is easy to defeat and cannot be used, if there are Tables in your workbook or add-in.
The software is an executable that will turn your add-in (or workbook) into an add-in (or workbook) with an unviewable VBA project. Besides Excel macro-enabled files, the unviewable+ application can also protect macro-enabled PowerPoint presentations and Word documents.
Testimonials From The MS-Office Community's Finest
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I can't sing enough praises of Unviewable+. It is the solution I spent years trying to find and eventually gave up until it was created last year. I use it to protect all the add-ins I sell on my website and it has the most security features out of any software I have been able to find. Like others have alluded to, you are never going to find a product that is 100% hack-proof (I think everyone in the world is still looking for that kind of security for a digital product). But in the world of Excel/VBA, the Unviewable+ application is going to confuse 99.9% of the people who start getting curious about what's behind the scenes...and I like those odds! Chris Newman, Excel MVP, USA
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I'm impressed with Unviewable+, both for the ease and flexibility of use and also the security it brings to my PowerPoint add-in code. Because it can protect PPA/PPAM files, I don't have to worry about accidentally making my source files unviewable, which makes for a simple, direct and trouble-free workflow. As I release new add-ins and update the existing ones, I plan to use Unviewable+ on all of them. Thanks for a great product! Steve Rindsberg, PowerPoint MVP, USA |
Unviewable+ is a dream come true for anyone who has been working in VBA development for any length of time. Virtually every client I’ve ever had has asked about protecting their intellectual property and I’ve had to reluctantly tell them that unless they use a COM add-in, their IP is relatively easy to get at. Now, however, with Unviewable+ I can offer my clients robust and 99% secure products that they can then turn around and resell with confidence. Thank you, Petros, for a great product. I recommend this product for any VBA developer, from novice to long-term pro. It is well worth the price! Tim Jeffryes, TJs Tools LLC, USA |
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Unviewable+ is something that has been missing from Excel from the very start - dependable security. We were all been resigned to the fact that our intellectual property could be stolen quickly and easily for so very long. Now, everything has changed. A solution that works, Unviewable+ VBA improves source code security in Office and let's you sleep at night! |
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I was lucky to find Unviewable+ shortly after it was released and I have been a happy user ever since. I use it to protect the Word add-ins I provide via my website, wordaddins.com. As with many other VBA developers, I had been looking for a way to protect my add-ins but without success – until Unviewable+ was released. The software is very easy to use and it takes only a moment to protect a file. I highly recommend Unviewable+ to any developer who wants enhanced VBA protection. |
How The Delphi Application Looks
What The End User Sees
"Project is Unviewable" error message while opening a locked Visual Basic for Applications project (VBA) in Microsoft Office Excel, PowerPoint or Word (Spanish version also shown)
Unviewable+ Explained
The UnviewablePlus.exe is a portable Delphi application [it is not an Excel add-in]. It will not install anything on your PC. The EXE file is the windows application that will make macro-enabled Office Excel, PowerPoint and Word files unviewable in VBE. It can be used on client sites by developers and by IT admins on user PCs to lock unviewable VBA projects in macro-enabled files.
The Unviewable+ application was developed to meet the following requirements:
The Unviewable+ application was developed to meet the following requirements:
- Unviewable+ maintains the normal file extension of your workbooks, presentations, templates and add-ins.
- Unviewable+ protected files will not trigger antivirus software to block opening your workbook, presentation, template or add-in.
- VBA code can still be read by malware analysis scanners and antivirus tools.
- VBA projects still behave like macro workbooks (in regards to security warnings and trusted locations).
- The application does not travel with workbooks, presentations, templates or addins.
- The application is not intrusive. No DLLs are loaded on target computers. The protection scheme doesn't depend on executabel code.
- There is no performance penalty. VBA executes as fast as in unlocked files!
- Unviewable+ files can be opened in both 32 and 64 bit versions of Office and Office for Mac.
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Protection Types
Unviewable+ feature matrix
HIDDEN MODULES
Standard modules will be hidden (classes and userforms will still be visible). The VBA project won't be locked, so any module type can be added and saved. Procedures can be called from hidden modules, but VBA code cannot be read from them, even when using the VBA extensibility library.
This setting could be useful, if you are trying to protect your code in standard modules, without alerting the end-user that a VBA protection scheme has been deployed within the macro-enabled file. Please ensure that there is at least one visible module (standard, class or userform) in the VBA project.
UNVIEWABLE PASSWORD PROTECTED VBA PROJECT
Unviewable password protected VBA projects are less secure than the equivalent locked projects, as recovery information has to be maintained within the file.
Unviewable password protected projects can be made visible and re-locked, if required. This setting is provided for developers who need to maintain their code, without having to publish updates to replace locked files. The project cannot be restored by the application, if the unviewable password is lost.
UNVIEWABLE LOCKED VBA PROJECT
Permanent protection. Please ensure that you have a backup copy of your source file before locking a VBA project with this setting. Locked VBA projects cannot be made visible by the application.
Standard modules will be hidden (classes and userforms will still be visible). The VBA project won't be locked, so any module type can be added and saved. Procedures can be called from hidden modules, but VBA code cannot be read from them, even when using the VBA extensibility library.
This setting could be useful, if you are trying to protect your code in standard modules, without alerting the end-user that a VBA protection scheme has been deployed within the macro-enabled file. Please ensure that there is at least one visible module (standard, class or userform) in the VBA project.
UNVIEWABLE PASSWORD PROTECTED VBA PROJECT
Unviewable password protected VBA projects are less secure than the equivalent locked projects, as recovery information has to be maintained within the file.
Unviewable password protected projects can be made visible and re-locked, if required. This setting is provided for developers who need to maintain their code, without having to publish updates to replace locked files. The project cannot be restored by the application, if the unviewable password is lost.
UNVIEWABLE LOCKED VBA PROJECT
Permanent protection. Please ensure that you have a backup copy of your source file before locking a VBA project with this setting. Locked VBA projects cannot be made visible by the application.
Protection Levels
VBADIFF COMPATIBLE
VbaDiff is a must-have source control and code differencing application. This least secure level is being offered to allow developers to work with VbaDiff and unviewable VBA projects.
SIMPLE
Similar protection as in the previous level, but VBA projects cannot be read by the VbaDiff application.
MEDIUM STRENGTH
Ideal setting for beta VBA applications or projects with poor error-handling. Also a good option, if the Ultimate protection restrictions conflict with your setup (see below)
ULTIMATE
The most secure unviewable setting. However, it comes with some restrictions:
VbaDiff is a must-have source control and code differencing application. This least secure level is being offered to allow developers to work with VbaDiff and unviewable VBA projects.
SIMPLE
Similar protection as in the previous level, but VBA projects cannot be read by the VbaDiff application.
MEDIUM STRENGTH
Ideal setting for beta VBA applications or projects with poor error-handling. Also a good option, if the Ultimate protection restrictions conflict with your setup (see below)
ULTIMATE
The most secure unviewable setting. However, it comes with some restrictions:
- The Ultimate setting is not available for Microsoft Word VBA. Please use the 'Medium strength' setting or lower.
- 'Option Private Module' statement is ignored in projects protected with the Ultimate setting. All objects in a VBA project will be visible in VBIDE object browser. Please use the 'Medium strength' setting or lower, if you do not want to expose all objects in your project.
- Public macros can neither be run using a shortcut key (e.g. Ctrl-<key>), nor are visible in the macro name box (on the developer tab) when using the Ultimate setting.
- Declare macro shortcuts at runtime using the .Onkey method. Download demos here.
- Use a ribbon UI to launch macros from addins.
- Shortcut workaround for workbooks: Define shortcut keys by having hidden ActiveX command buttons in a worksheet with Accelerator keys set. Launch macros with ALT-<key> combinations.
- Declare macro shortcuts at runtime using the .Onkey method. Download demos here.
- The Debug button is enabled in untrapped runtime errors and it should not be clicked by Excel 2007-2010 users, as Excel may crash. Your code will still be unviewable in VBE, even if the Debug button is clicked. It is best practice to distribute locked files with robust error handling for optimal user experience.
Options
BACKUP COPY
The application can create a source backup copy, if the backup option is checked. The unviewable protection can only be removed from unviewable password protected files. Locked VBA projects cannot be restored. It's up to software publishers to maintain their own source code versions of locked VBA projects. We believe that it's worth it for the added security. Sorry, we do not offer code recovery services. It is your responsibility to design and execute a robust backup strategy.
DATE/BUILD STAMP
A hidden date-time stamp will be added when the file is locked.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The 'licensed to' text will be used to add a hidden copyright stamp inside the file
MULTI-LAYER PROTECTION (MLP)
Please ensure that this option is checked when locking Open XML files (4-letter extension). MLP is not applicable to the XLS/XLA legacy file formats. Use Microsoft Office Subject Interface Packages for digitally signing VBA Projects along with SignTool, instead of the VB editor menu if MLP is enabled.
The application can create a source backup copy, if the backup option is checked. The unviewable protection can only be removed from unviewable password protected files. Locked VBA projects cannot be restored. It's up to software publishers to maintain their own source code versions of locked VBA projects. We believe that it's worth it for the added security. Sorry, we do not offer code recovery services. It is your responsibility to design and execute a robust backup strategy.
DATE/BUILD STAMP
A hidden date-time stamp will be added when the file is locked.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The 'licensed to' text will be used to add a hidden copyright stamp inside the file
MULTI-LAYER PROTECTION (MLP)
Please ensure that this option is checked when locking Open XML files (4-letter extension). MLP is not applicable to the XLS/XLA legacy file formats. Use Microsoft Office Subject Interface Packages for digitally signing VBA Projects along with SignTool, instead of the VB editor menu if MLP is enabled.
Command Line Support
Unviewable+ can be used from the command line for batch file processing from version 2.74 beta onwards. Click image below to zoom-in.
Known Issues
[1] It has been reported that the early build of Excel 2013 shown is not compatible with the Ultimate protection level and stamping options. Later Excel 2013 versions can open Ultimate unviewable+ locked files without any issues.
Please use 'Medium strength' protection and uncheck both date/build stamp and copyright notice, if this Office version is being used by your software users.
[2] VBA code stored in worksheets (document modules) can be read from workbooks with unprotected structure (Review> Protect Workbook), even if the VBA project is password locked or unviewable. Read the workaround here
Please use 'Medium strength' protection and uncheck both date/build stamp and copyright notice, if this Office version is being used by your software users.
[2] VBA code stored in worksheets (document modules) can be read from workbooks with unprotected structure (Review> Protect Workbook), even if the VBA project is password locked or unviewable. Read the workaround here
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[3] The Visual Basic Editor does not support Unicode. Instead, it uses a legacy Windows technology called 'Code Pages' to provide support for non-ASCII characters.
The Ultimate protection level and stamping options are not compatible with some Code Pages. Please use 'Medium strength' protection and uncheck both date, build stamp and copyright notice, if the system locale for non-unicode programs is set to certain languages (e.g. Chinese, Czech, Polish, Russian, Slovak etc). However, Ultimate protection can be used with several non-English Code Pages. |
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Translation Credits
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Chinese: ExcelHome.net Danish: John Rosenblad Dutch: Ed Lutjeboer French: Fabrice Rimlinger German: Mourad Louha Portuguese-Brasil: Felipe Gualberto Spanish: Elvis Zem Swedish: Jörgen Moller 
French article
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Language files are not required, if the application is used with its default menus in English. Language files (.lng) that are not used, can be deleted from unviewable+ application folder.
For example, if you are using unviewable+ in French, delete all .lng files, except unviewable.fr.lng
Language files can be discovered by the application in subfolders as well, so please ensure that unused lng files are deleted
For example, if you are using unviewable+ in French, delete all .lng files, except unviewable.fr.lng
Language files can be discovered by the application in subfolders as well, so please ensure that unused lng files are deleted
Unviewable+ VBA Is Proudly Sponsored By
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I have been using a converter tool to secure my Excel workbook and VBA, by placing it within an executable shell, which bypasses the Excel VBA security settings allowing it to open up on any PC. It works fine, but as it is in an executable format, it can be flagged up as a potential virus. What is the format of your protected workbook please. Will it flag up any possible warnings from antivirus monitoring software?
Reply: Unviewable+ protected Excel files will not trigger antivirus software to block opening your workbook or add-in. Unviewable+ maintains the normal file extension of your workbook or add-in files.
Question: Will anti-virus/malware programs balk at the files because they contain unviewable code?
Reply: The unviewable state in Visual Basic Editor is a built-in Office feature used in shared workbooks. Although VBA code is unviewable in VBE, it can still be read by malware analysis tools.
Question: Will the projects still 'behave' like macro workbooks (in regards to security warnings and trusted locations)?
Reply: Unviewable+ maintains the normal file extension of your workbook or add-in files. Our tests have confirmed that unviewable+ protected files behave like any other macro-enabled Office file in regards to security warnings and trusted locations.
Question: Is the Unviewable+ application strictly for Excel or will it work with VBA in other Office programs? Does it work with PowerPoint?
Reply: Yes, the Unviewable+ application is available for Excel, PowerPoint & Word. Site & Global licenses offer support for Microsoft Access, Project, Visio, Autodesk AutoCAD VBA and CorelDRAW (Enterprise features).
Question: Is it okay to lock a VBA project that has been password protected in Excel?
Reply: When you password protect a project as unviewable, your VBE password (Excel's) will be retained. So after removing the unviewable password (don't lose it!) you will have to unlock your project in Excel as you would do normally. If the Excel password is lost or forgotten, then use one of the published password hacking techniques or any Office password cracking software, such as this.
Question: Is any visible information stored by the Unviewable+ application in locked workbooks or addins?
Reply: No, only an optional Date/Build or Copyright stamp may be stored hidden inside the vbaProject.bin
Question: Is there any performance difference between password protected and unviewable+ projects?
Reply: None! Unviewable+ modifies the behaviour of Visual Basic editor, not the way VBA code runs.
Question: Is there any conflict between Unviewable+ and Office Addins? Will Solver.xlam load correctly?
Reply: There is no conflict with Office add-ins or Solver, as the application does not travel with your files.
Question: Is "Project is Unviewable" shown in locked workbooks opened in Office/Excel 2016 for Mac?
Reply: Yes
Question: In which Office versions actively supported by Microsoft can the file converted by the Unviewable+ application compatible be opened with:
Reply: Office 2007 (32 bit), 2010, 2013, 2016 (32/64 bit)
A tell-tale sign from Microsoft that Office 16 VBA IDE is fully backwards compatible:
Reply: Unviewable+ protected Excel files will not trigger antivirus software to block opening your workbook or add-in. Unviewable+ maintains the normal file extension of your workbook or add-in files.
Question: Will anti-virus/malware programs balk at the files because they contain unviewable code?
Reply: The unviewable state in Visual Basic Editor is a built-in Office feature used in shared workbooks. Although VBA code is unviewable in VBE, it can still be read by malware analysis tools.
Question: Will the projects still 'behave' like macro workbooks (in regards to security warnings and trusted locations)?
Reply: Unviewable+ maintains the normal file extension of your workbook or add-in files. Our tests have confirmed that unviewable+ protected files behave like any other macro-enabled Office file in regards to security warnings and trusted locations.
Question: Is the Unviewable+ application strictly for Excel or will it work with VBA in other Office programs? Does it work with PowerPoint?
Reply: Yes, the Unviewable+ application is available for Excel, PowerPoint & Word. Site & Global licenses offer support for Microsoft Access, Project, Visio, Autodesk AutoCAD VBA and CorelDRAW (Enterprise features).
Question: Is it okay to lock a VBA project that has been password protected in Excel?
Reply: When you password protect a project as unviewable, your VBE password (Excel's) will be retained. So after removing the unviewable password (don't lose it!) you will have to unlock your project in Excel as you would do normally. If the Excel password is lost or forgotten, then use one of the published password hacking techniques or any Office password cracking software, such as this.
Question: Is any visible information stored by the Unviewable+ application in locked workbooks or addins?
Reply: No, only an optional Date/Build or Copyright stamp may be stored hidden inside the vbaProject.bin
Question: Is there any performance difference between password protected and unviewable+ projects?
Reply: None! Unviewable+ modifies the behaviour of Visual Basic editor, not the way VBA code runs.
Question: Is there any conflict between Unviewable+ and Office Addins? Will Solver.xlam load correctly?
Reply: There is no conflict with Office add-ins or Solver, as the application does not travel with your files.
Question: Is "Project is Unviewable" shown in locked workbooks opened in Office/Excel 2016 for Mac?
Reply: Yes
Question: In which Office versions actively supported by Microsoft can the file converted by the Unviewable+ application compatible be opened with:
Reply: Office 2007 (32 bit), 2010, 2013, 2016 (32/64 bit)
A tell-tale sign from Microsoft that Office 16 VBA IDE is fully backwards compatible:
"...Macros and Add-ins—We’re not making any changes to Macros or Add-ins in this release. It’s rare that “no changes” is a something we’d want to highlight, but we think it’s worth celebrating the consistency in the programming model across releases. We understand how important this is and we’re committed to a high level of compatibility as we continue to innovate...." Read the full article here: Announcing the Office 2016 preview
Campaign 180% Funded In Indiegogo
Read the funding discussion about Unviewable+ in Linkedin |
Visit Unviewable+ in Indiegogo |
Download Locked Samples
Download
Samples are intended for personal evaluation only. File redistribution or malicious uses are strongly prohibited!
VBA Tools Add-in
The 'VBA Tools' Excel add-in is bundled for free with any standalone perpetual license. The add-in offers an elementary VBA obfuscator, which can remove redundant information from files destined for publication, such as code indentation, blank lines & comments. Obfuscate your VBA code, before locking VBA projects with Unviewable+. There are a couple of more features:
- Export your VBA code to a text file for use with code diff tools.
- Turn On popular Library References. If you have ever pulled out your hair trying to find the PowerPoint VBA reference in that list of hundreds of references inside the VBE, your frustration will be gone. No more will you need to go through that hassle!
- Toggle the VBE background between a white (default) and black color scheme.
- Show or hide PowerPoint Add-in VBA code inside the Visual Basic Editor
- Launch the Unviewable+ Delphi application from inside the add-in for convenience.
VBA-Tools is a companion add-in to the Unviewable+ application
Unviewable+ VBA Academy
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All Unviewable+ customers are automatically enrolled in our VBA Academy to help you increase development productivity, improve the security features of your VBA applications, defend against known attacks and new threats. These tips are emailed privately to clients only. Please feel free to send us your feedback or VBA tips that may benefit all Unviewable+ users.
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Customer Privacy
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In a technological age where privacy is scarce, our software goes against the flow. The Unviewable+ application and the companion VBA Tools add-in do not require a connection to the internet to ease any concerns from customers who are sensitive about their privacy and/or corporate espionage. This applies to perpetual licenses only.
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The protection scheme is passive. No stealthy code runs in the background when locked Office files are opened. The Unviewable+ portable executable file (.exe) is signed with a digital certificate from Comodo CA or Sectigo and will not install anything on your computer under any circumstances.
For more information, please read the software's manual or download our notes on customer privacy.
For more information, please read the software's manual or download our notes on customer privacy.
Enterprise Features
Site and Global licenses offer protection support for:
Customers who purchase Site or Global licenses will receive the obfuscation module (lite) in VBA source code (.bas), since add-ins are not available for Access, Project, Visio, AutoCAD & CorelDRAW. Please contact us for more details about Enterprise licenses.
- Microsoft Access (simple locked level only)
- Microsoft Project (without multi-layer protection)
- Microsoft Visio
- Autodesk AutoCAD (without multi-layer protection, up-to Medium level)
- CorelDRAW (without multi-layer protection, up-to Medium level)
Customers who purchase Site or Global licenses will receive the obfuscation module (lite) in VBA source code (.bas), since add-ins are not available for Access, Project, Visio, AutoCAD & CorelDRAW. Please contact us for more details about Enterprise licenses.
Buy
Buy Perpetual Licenses
Unviewable+ VBA (written in Delphi) is available as a standalone portable windows application with perpetual licenses as shown below, which can be branded with your logo (instead of ours) in the About form. Branded applications are intended for enterprise internal use only [not for resale].
Let your brand be the hero: Unviewable+ application with customer logo in About form [NOT FOR RESALE]
Developer is the person who develops (and/or) maintains and finally protects macro-enabled Office files using the Unviewable+ application. Locked files can be distributed to any user without restrictions or royalties perpetually. Developers are not licensed to merely lock files developed by colleagues. A single site or global license is required for such use.
1 Site license: A software licensing agreement that grants the purchaser permission to use the software on a network and/or in several computers at a particular site or facility, with an unlimited number of software developers. The software is not licensed for use with files created by developers, who are not employed by the licensee.
1 Site license: A software licensing agreement that grants the purchaser permission to use the software on a network and/or in several computers at a particular site or facility, with an unlimited number of software developers. The software is not licensed for use with files created by developers, who are not employed by the licensee.
1 Developer license US$100 |
1 Site license US$250 (unlimited developers) |
Multi-site, Global license US$600 |
Global license & Source Code Price-upon-request |
Please click button to visit our e-commerce store in FastSpring
Terms
We take your VBA security seriously and strive to improve our software. All application software updates are FREE for customers who buy standalone perpetual licenses.
Since the Delphi windows application is portable, all sales are final. No refunds are being offered for perpetual licenses and source code.
The software is not licensed for use as a security service to the general public.
Publisher: Esoteric Consulting Ltd, United Kingdom (Spreadsheet1.com)
Product URL: http://www.spreadsheet1.com/unviewable-vba-project-app-for-excel.html
Software category: Microsoft Office 2007 or later
Operating system: Windows 7 or later
Date first published: March 2015
Latest version: 2.78 beta
Since the Delphi windows application is portable, all sales are final. No refunds are being offered for perpetual licenses and source code.
The software is not licensed for use as a security service to the general public.
Publisher: Esoteric Consulting Ltd, United Kingdom (Spreadsheet1.com)
Product URL: http://www.spreadsheet1.com/unviewable-vba-project-app-for-excel.html
Software category: Microsoft Office 2007 or later
Operating system: Windows 7 or later
Date first published: March 2015
Latest version: 2.78 beta
Version Change Log
2.73 - Stable beta version
2.74 - Command line support added
2.78 - Support for Access, Project, Visio and AutoCAD files [Enterprise licenses only]
2.74 - Command line support added
2.78 - Support for Access, Project, Visio and AutoCAD files [Enterprise licenses only]
