Can I prevent editing but allow filtering through protect sheet?

Question

Hello,

I need to protect an excel sheet so that the users cannot edit the content of the cells. However, I would like them to be able to use the filter.

So far I tried locking the cells and protecting the sheet while ticking the following boxes:
-Select locked cells

-Select unlocked cells

-Format columns

-Format rows

-Sort

-Use AutoFilter

However, this still allows the editing of the cell contents.

I wonder if this is possible or I'm attempting something that's not feasible.

Thanks

Answer 1

Hi MariFo

I'm AnnaThomas and I'd happily help you with your question. In this Forum, we are Microsoft consumers just like yourself.

Yes, it is possible to protect an Excel sheet to prevent editing while still allowing filtering. To do this, you can lock all the cells in the sheet that you want to prevent editing by right-clicking on the cells, selecting “Format Cells” from the context menu, and then checking the “Locked” box on the “Protection” tab.

Then, you can protect the sheet by selecting “Protect Sheet” from the “Review” tab. In the “Protect Sheet” dialog box, make sure that the “Select locked cells” and “Use AutoFilter” options are checked. This should prevent editing of the locked cells while still allowing filtering.

I hope this helps ;-), let me know if this is contrary to what you need, I would still be helpful to answer more of your questions.

Best Regards,

AnnaThomas

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Answer 2

Another thing I have discovered and have to do with workbooks we use is that it is necessary to turn on the filter before protecting the sheet. The button to turn on the filter may not be available once the sheet is protected.

Rich~M