Locking Cell Formatting

Q I have a spreadsheet that is edited by student employees. I want them to be able to enter data, but not be able to change the formatting of the spreadsheet. Is this possible?

A The first step is to select all of the cells that you want users to be able to put data in. We then need to tell excel that once we lock the sheet, these cells should still accept data changes. To do this, go to the Home Ribbon->Cells Group->Format->and choose Lock Cell. (You’ll see that Lock Cell is already highlighted so by selecting it you are in effect “Unlocking” the selected cells.

Next we need to lock the entire sheet. Go to the Home Ribbon->Cells Group->Format->and choose Protect Sheet. Here you’ll want to make sure at least the first two options are selected. That’s probably all you’ll want to leave selected (make sure all of the format options are unselected). You can even set a password if you want to here, but make sure you’ll remember it!

That should do it! Now they can only insert data into the cells you specifically unlocked and they won’t be able to change any formatting.