Read-only Workbook

 

This example shows you how to make your Excel workbook read-only. Users without a password can still save changes by creating a new copy of the workbook.

1. Open a workbook.

2. On the File tab, click Save As.

3. Click Browse.

Click Browse

4. Click on the Tools button and click General Options.

Tools, General Options

5. In the Password to modify box, enter a password and click OK.

Enter a Password

Note: if you only want to recommend users to open the Excel file as read-only, without protecting it, don't enter a password and check Read-only recommended.

6. Reenter the password and click on OK.

Reenter the Password

Note: this feature does not encrypt your Excel file. Malicious users can edit the file and remove the password.

7. Enter a file name and click Save.

Click Save

Your workbook is read-only now. The password for the downloadable Excel file is "easy".

8. Excel displays the following message box when you open a read-only Excel file. Enter the password or open read only.

Read-only Message Box

Remember, users without a password can still save changes by creating a new copy of the workbook. For a better protection, protect a sheet.