Restrict use of a spreadsheet in the browser
You can prevent users from making changes to sheets by using protection options that are available only during design time. These options take effect during run time, and generally do not apply while you're designing the spreadsheet.
You can protect individual sheets on a per-sheet basis. When you protect a sheet, users cannot change cells; insert, delete, or resize rows or columns; or filter or sort on that sheet unless you specifically choose to enable these options.
- In the design window, make sure the spreadsheet is activated. For instructions, see Help for your design program.
- On the toolbar, click Commands and Options
, and then click the Protection
tab. - Select the Protect active sheet dialog box.
If you want to allow users to make certain changes in the sheet, such as resizing, sorting, or filtering, select the check boxes for those options under At run time, allow.
When you protect a sheet, all cells in the sheet are locked unless you first unlock specific cells.
- In the design window, make sure the spreadsheet is activated. For instructions, see Help for your design program.
- Select the cells that can be changed after the spreadsheet is protected.
- On the toolbar, click Commands and Options , and then click the Format
tab.
- Click Unlock Cells
. - Repeat the previous steps to specify other cells that can be changed after a spreadsheet is protected.
- Click the Protection tab.
- Select the Protect active sheet check box.
Display only part of a spreadsheet
You can hide part of a spreadsheet from view. Users have no access to the hidden part.
- In the design window, make sure the spreadsheet is activated. For instructions, see Help for your design program.
- On the toolbar, click Commands and Options
- In the Viewable range box, type the range to display.
For example, to display rows 1 through 15, type 1:15. To display columns A through F, type A:F. To display cells A1 through B20, type A1:B20.
Note This setting cannot be changed in the browser.
Prevent sheets from being inserted, removed, or
renamed
- In the design window, make sure the spreadsheet is activated. For instructions, see Help for your design program.
- On the toolbar, click Commands and Options , and then click the Protection
tab.
- Under Workbook, clear the Insert, remove, or rename sheets check box.
Prevent display of
the Commands and Options dialog box
- In the design window, make sure the spreadsheet is activated. For instructions, see Help for your design program.
- On the toolbar, click Commands and Options ,
and then click the Protection
tab.
- Under Workbook, clear the Commands and Options dialog box check box.
Prevent or allow
monitoring of events by programs and scripts
- In the design window, make sure the spreadsheet is activated. For instructions, see Help for your design program.
- On the toolbar, click Commands and Options , and then click the Advanced
tab.
- Select or clear the Enable events check box.
Notes
- You cannot set passwords on spreadsheets.
- If you don't want users to make changes to your spreadsheet, consider publishing a noninteractive HTML version of the spreadsheet. See Microsoft Excel Help for more information.