For dynamic worksheets where data will be frequently updated, some cells will need to be unlocked to make the whole idea of protection sensible. However, most users won't want every cell locked unless none of the cells, including those containing data, will ever need updating. In all Excel spreadsheets, all cells are locked by default. In order for the contents of a cell to be safe from being accidentally deleted, the cell must be locked AND the worksheet or entire workbook protected. But even though cells may be locked, the "locking" doesn't go into effect until the user also protects the worksheet. This is a great feature for preventing complex formulas and functions from being accidentally erased. For example, "alignment" and "number" options are on the Home tab.Ī Locked cell cannot be formatted, nor can its contents be changed or deleted. We will note that in Excel 2007 and newer versions, some of the formatting options can be found on the ribbon. We do so because it's fast, and it works independent of any previous, current, or future release of Excel. We always recommend the "right click" method of quickly reaching the Format Options window. Click inside of a cell or highlight multiple cells, right-click, and click Format cells. The easiest way to get to the Format Options window from all versions of Excel is from the right-click menu. The Format Options window has a total of six tabs and they are discussed in our tutorial Formatting Cells in Excel. The option to lock or unlock a cell in Excel is on the last tab of the Format Options window - the Protection tab. The Protection Tab of the Format Options Window Lastly, we'll briefly discuss protecting workbooks.
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In addition, we will discuss the different options on the "Protect Sheet" window and which you may wish to choose.
#How do you lock individual cells in excel how to#
Then we will discuss how to protect the worksheet in all versions of Excel. Second, the worksheet containing the locked cell must be protected.įirst we will discuss how to lock and unlock individual cells or groups of cells. First, any cell that needs protection must be locked. There are two elements involved in the protection of worksheet data. Read our disclosure policy to learn more. (Alternatively, under the Home tab, click on the expansion icon next to Alignment, and in the Format Cells window go to the Protection tab.○ This tutorial contains affiliate links. Right-click on your selection, select Format Cells, and click on the Protection tab. These will be the specific cells that can be edited even after the sheet is protected.Ģ. Select all the cells you don't want to be locked. However, you can specify whether a certain cell should be locked or unlocked in the cell's format properties.ġ. As mentioned above, all cells are locked by default when you protect the sheet. In our example, in an inventory list you might allow unit prices and stock quantities to be updated, but not the item IDs, names, or descriptions. There might be times when you want to lock certain cells from being changed but still allow users to adjust other cells in a worksheet. How to Lock Specific Cells in an Excel Worksheet
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The cells can only be unlocked when the sheet is unprotected (by going to the Review tab again, choosing "Unprotect Sheet," and entering the password, if required).