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Lesson 98 of 104 2 min Updated Completed

How to Make a Workbook Read-Only

A read-only workbook can be opened and viewed, but changes can’t be saved to it. Only to a new copy. Use a password to modify so only you can edit the original.

  1. Open the workbook.

  2. Click File > Save As > Browse.

    Save As > Browse on the File tab

  3. In the Save As dialog box, click Tools > General Options.

    Tools > General Options in the Save As dialog box

  4. Type a password in Password to modify. (This example uses protect.)

    Entering a password to modify

    To simply suggest read-only without a password, tick Read-only recommended and leave the password boxes empty. People then see a message suggesting they open it read-only, but they can choose not to.

    The Read-only recommended option

  5. Click OK, type the password again, and click OK.

    Confirming the password

  6. Type a file name and click Save.

    Saving the read-only workbook

Result: when someone opens the file, Excel asks for the password to edit, or lets them open it Read Only.

Note: Anyone can still open the file read-only and save a copy under a new name. For stronger protection, also protect the sheet.