Read-only Excel workbook

This example will demonstrate how to make an Excel workbook read-only. Users will still be able to save changes by creating a new copy of the workbook.

For better protection, protect the sheet.

1. Open the book.
2. On the Advanced tab Fillet (File), click Save As (Save as).
3. Click on tools (Service) and select General Options (Common parameters).
4. Enter the password in the field Password to modify (Password to change) and press OK.

Note: If you just want to tell users to open a read-only Excel file without protecting it, don’t enter a password and check the box next to Read-only recommended (Recommend read-only access).

5. Enter your password again and click OK.

This function does not encrypt the Excel file. Attackers can edit the file and remove the password.

6. Enter a filename and click on Save (Save).

The book is now read-only.