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Export on Save Hook

github-actions edited this page Jul 2, 2026 · 1 revision

Export on Save Hook

Experimental / community-contributed. This feature was contributed by a single user and is not widely used. It may have known bugs or rough edges. Most users should rely on Export (and Fast Save) from the ribbon instead. This page is kept for reference for those who want to experiment with it.

Optional Hook DLLs export database objects to source automatically when you save them in Access — useful when you want Git to stay current without remembering to click Export.


Components

Item Location
Hook DLLs Hook/ folder in the repository (MSAccessVCSHook_win32.dll, MSAccessVCSHook_win64.dll)
Add-in integration modExportOnSaveHook in the add-in
Upstream project AccessAppHook (LGPL-2.1)

Activation

  1. Install the VCS add-in and ribbon as usual.
  2. Use Activate Hook from the ribbon (or VCS.ActivateHook in code) when prompted.
  3. Use Verify Hook if export-on-save does not trigger.

Exact menu labels may vary by add-in version; see the ribbon Tools area.


Security and trust

Hook DLLs load into the Access process. Your environment may require:

  • Trusted install location for the add-in and hook DLLs
  • COM add-ins enabled (Installation)
  • Approval of unsigned DLLs in strict environments

Read Security Considerations before deploying hooks on locked-down PCs.


When to use

Good fit Poor fit
Solo dev who saves often and commits frequently Shared database with many concurrent editors
Small projects Very large exports where each save would be slow
Ensuring source never lags far behind design CI that expects explicit export timestamps

Fast Save still applies — only changed objects export, but frequent saves on large forms can add overhead.


Related

  • Quick Start — manual export workflow
  • Options — export settings that affect hook output

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