When we want to protect the integrity of an Excel file and prevent others from editing or modifying the data in the spreadsheet, we can set a read-only password protection for the Excel table. This way, others can only view the file but cannot modify it. This article will teach you how to set a read-only password for the spreadsheet. The operation steps are very simple and can be completed in 3 steps, and it also supports batch password setting for multiple spreadsheets with one click.
Preview of Excel Spreadsheets in View-Only Mode
Steps to Batch Set Read-Only Passwords for Excel Spreadsheets
1. Open HeSoft Doc Batch Tool , choose Excel Tools → Excel Add Password Protection.
2. Click Add Files or Import Files from Folder to add the Excel files you want to set read-only passwords for here.
3. Select File Content Read-Only Password, and enter the password you want to set in the text box below.
4. After processing is complete, click Save Location to view. All Excel spreadsheets have been changed to read-only mode. When you open a file, it will prompt you to enter a password. If you do not know the password, you can only open it in read-only mode.
After setting a read-only password for an Excel file, all content within the file is not allowed to be modified. Not only can the content in cells not be modified, but the structure of the entire workbook cannot be changed. You cannot insert, move, or delete worksheets, nor can you rename worksheets.
Difference Between Excel Read-Only Password and Worksheet Restriction Password
Although an Excel read-only password and a worksheet restriction password can both prevent others from editing and modifying file content, there are differences between them.
The read-only password protects the entire Excel file, including the content in the tables and the overall structure of the file. The worksheet restriction password is protection set for a single worksheet, only preventing the content within the current worksheet from being modified.
After a read-only password is set, when we double-click a cell, we can still edit its content. However, when saving, a prompt will appear stating that the file is read-only and saving is not allowed; it can only be saved under a new name in another location.
After a restriction password is set for a worksheet, double-clicking a cell will directly prompt that the cell is on a protected worksheet. You must enter the password to unprotect the worksheet before you can edit and modify it.
In summary, both types of passwords can prevent others from modifying table content and protect the integrity of the file.