Applies ToExcel for Microsoft 365 for Mac Excel 2024 for Mac Excel 2021 for Mac

If you want to remind everyone that a workbook should only be changed if necessary, you can recommend that the workbook be opened as read-only.

Note: Prompting to open as read-only will not prevent changes from being made to your workbook. For stronger protection, set read-only status by locking the workbook with the Finder, or require a password to save changes.

  1. Open the workbook you want to protect.

  2. Click the File menu, and then click Passwords.

    Password option in the File menu
  3. In the File Passwords dialog box, select the Read-only recommended check box, and click OK.

  4. Close the workbook.

    The next time the workbook is opened, a message will ask if you want to open as read-only.

See also

Set or clear read-only status

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