Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 30, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
As you create a workbook in Excel, there is a lot of information that is stored with the workbook that can identify you as the author. Most of this information is stored in the workbook's file properties. Excel provides a handy tool that allows you to remove the personal information you don't want others to see. This tool is called the Document Inspector.
To use the Document Inspector, open the workbook you want to evaluate and then use one of the following, depending on the version of Excel you are using:
Excel displays the Document Inspector dialog box, which is just a series of check boxes. You use these check boxes to indicate the items you want the inspector to look for. When you click Inspect, Excel tries to find them and then displays a dialog box showing the findings. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The Document Inspector's findings.
When presented with the Document Inspector's findings, you can choose which items you want removed from the workbook.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6216) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Removing Personal Information.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel 2013 Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments