Inspecting and Protecting Workbooks
Learn how to inspect your workbook for hidden information and protect it before sharing by using Document Inspector and Protect Workbook tools.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
Why Inspect and Protect a Workbook?
Before sharing a workbook, you should remove hidden personal information and discourage unwanted editing. Excel provides tools such as Document Inspector and Protect Workbook to help finalize your file.
Using Document Inspector
Click the File tab to open Backstage view. From the Info pane, select Check for Issues and then click Inspect Document.
Excel may prompt you to save your file before continuing. Click Yes to proceed.
Leave all inspection options selected and click Inspect.
Removing Hidden Information
If the inspector finds comments or personal information, click Remove All next to each category.
When finished, click Close to return to your workbook.
Protecting the Workbook
To discourage editing, go to File → Info → Protect Workbook and choose Mark as Final.
When a workbook is marked as final, a banner appears indicating that editing is discouraged.
Knowledge Check
What does Document Inspector help you do?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks:
- Open the Inspect and Protect practice workbook.
- Run Document Inspector and remove any comments or personal information found.
- Close the inspector after removing issues.
- Protect the workbook by selecting Mark as Final.
- Verify that the 'Marked as Final' banner appears.