# Via vBase Workbook

The vBase Excel Library enables you to generate verifiable data and datasets directly from Excel.

The written instructions below guide you through the process using the latest version of `vBase_Excel_Stamper.xlsm`.

[This instructional video](https://youtu.be/-9AYYU6eL40) may also be helpful in gaining an overview of the setup and stamping process.

## Installation

1. [**Download the vBase Excel Library Setup Files**](https://github.com/validityBase/vbase-cs/releases/download/Excel_Setup_Files/vBase_Excel_Setup_Latest.zip).
2. Unzip `vBase_Excel_Setup_Latest.zip` into a local directory on your computer.
3. Uninstall any existing version of the library.
4. Install the new version by running `setup.exe`.
5. If open, close `vBase_Excel_Stamper.xlsm`.
6. **Unblock the file (if needed):**
   * In Windows File Explorer, right-click `vBase_Excel_Stamper.xlsm`.
   * Select **Properties**.
   * In the **General** tab, locate the **Security** section.
   * If you see:\
     &#xNAN;_"This file came from another computer and might be blocked..."_, check **Unblock**.
   * Click **Apply**, then **OK**.
7. Open `vBase_Excel_Stamper.xlsm` in Excel.
8. When prompted, enable macros.

## Getting Started

1. Fill in the **Stamping Parameters** table on the `vBase Setup` sheet.
   * Your API and Private Key, require you to [register for a free vBase account](https://app.vbase.com/accounts/signup/).
   * Once logged in, these parameters are in the User Profile under [Account Settings](https://app.vbase.com/profile/#account_settings)
2. Run the vBase functions listed in the `vBase Setup` worksheet to generate new stamped data.
3. Stamp a range of cells using one of the following methods:
   *   **Function Method:**

       ```excel
       =StampRangeDataDefault(Range)
       ```

       Example:

       ```excel
       =StampRangeDataDefault(C20:D22)
       ```
   * **Keyboard Shortcut:**\
     Press **Ctrl + Shift + S** to stamp the selected range via the `StampRange` macro.

> **Note:** Stamps are assigned to a [Collection](../../../welcome/core-concepts/what-is-a-stamp#collection) based on the **Collection Name** specified in the Stamping Parameters.

4. You're now ready to start creating verifiable data!

## Verifying Your Stamps and Collections

### Stamps

To verify that your Excel data has been stamped:

1. Locate the relevant stamped file on your system.
2. Load the file to:
   * [https://app.vbase.com/verify/#file](https://app.vbase.com/verify/#file)

### Collections

To create a verifiable collection:

1. Zip all the stamped files in the relevant collection directory.\
   &#xNAN;_(Exclude system files like `desktop.ini`.)_
2. Verify the collection by loading the zipped file to:
   * [https://app.vbase.com/verify/#collection](https://app.vbase.com/verify/#collection)
