Finalizing and Protecting Your Workbook

Before sharing a workbook, check for spelling errors and private information. Excel has tools to help with this, like Document Inspector and Protect Workbook.

Download our Practice Workbook.

Using Document Inspector

When you edit a workbook, Excel may add personal details automatically. Document Inspector helps remove this information before sharing.

🔹 Before using it, save a copy of your workbook. Some changes cannot be undone.

Steps to Use Document Inspector:

  1. Click the File tab to open Backstage View.
  2. Click Check for Issues > Inspect Document.

  3. You may be asked to save the file before running the tool.

  4. Document Inspector will open. Choose what to check, then click Inspect.

  5. The results will appear. If there is personal information, click Remove All.

  6. Click Close when finished.

Protecting Your Workbook

By default, anyone with access to your workbook can open, copy, or edit it. Protect Workbook lets you limit what others can do.

Steps to Protect Your Workbook:

  1. Click the File tab.
  2. Click Protect Workbook.
  3. Choose an option. For example, Mark as Final to discourage editing.

  4. A message will ask you to save. Click OK.

  5. Another message will appear. Click OK again.

Your workbook is now marked as final. However, others can still edit it if they want. To fully prevent changes, use Restrict Access instead.


This version keeps it clear and easy to follow. Let me know if you need further simplifications! 😊