Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 14, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
If you are developing workbooks for others to use, you may want your worksheets to retain whatever names you give them. Excel normally allows users to change worksheet names, as desired. If you don't want them to change, the only way to prevent it is to lock the workbook. You can take these steps:
Figure 1. The Protect Structure and Windows dialog box.
The user can no longer make changes to the names of the worksheet tabs, nor to anything else that affects the structure of the workbook. (For instance, they cannot enter new worksheets or delete existing ones.)
If you want to protect the workbook under the control of a macro, then you can use this code:
ActiveWorkbook.Protect Password:="MyPassword", Structure:=True
All you need to do is provide a password you want to use in place of the "MyPassword" example.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6217) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Locking Worksheet Names.
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 Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
If you have a worksheet protected, it may not be immediately evident that it really is protected. This tip explains some ...
Discover MoreWant to protect a worksheet but maintain the ability to make changes to the check boxes you add to the worksheet? Here is ...
Discover MoreWhen you first create a worksheet, all the cells in that worksheet are formatted as locked. As you unlock various cells ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2019-07-27 07:40:59
Alex B
If the concern about the sheet name changing is related to a macro using the name, you might consider using the sheets codename in the macro instead of the tab name.
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