When we have created a wonderful #Excel template that is to be shared with others, we don’t want users to distort, if not destroy, the template someday. Nevertheless we would like to leave as much “flexibility” as possible to users by not password-protecting anything on the template. We know that some users are super creative to crack a password-protected sheet/book. 😛
Here comes Read Only to rescue.
It is simple to make a READ ONLY file. Save As (as usual)…
- Open the drop-down of “Tools“
- Select General Options…
Assign a password to modify
Reenter your password to confirm –> OK –> Save
That is it.
When someone opens the file again, Excel will ask for a password for write access.
If you are the file owner and you plan to edit the file, you may enter the password to continue.
However if you do not know the password, you have no choice but open a “Read Only” copy.
What is a Read-Only Workbook?
Isn’t it clear?
With Read-Only template, we don’t have to worry about our wonderful template being ruined by someone in unknown way. Simply ask them to start over with the unchangeable Read-Only template originally shared.
As simple as this. 🙂
Did you know…
In old days, we needed a sticker to cover a specific location to write-protect a floppy disk.
btw… have you seen a real floppy disk? 🙂
wmfexcel 