Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Opening a Workbook as Read-Only.
There may be times when you want to open a workbook as read-only. This means you will not be able to save any changes to the workbook you are loading. You can use the Save As option from the File menu in order to save the workbook using a different filename, however. Opening a workbook as read-only is self-insurance so you don't inadvertently mess up your file. To open a workbook as read-only, follow these steps:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7929) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Opening a Workbook as Read-Only.
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2016-06-17 16:49:00
Willy Vanhaelen
@Dawie
I tried you suggestion and indeed, the context menu shows "Open as Read-Only" but when I click on it, the file is opened normally (not as read-only) and you can save changes (Windows 7, Excel 2007). This is obviously a bug!
When I use the procedure suggested in this tip, the file is really opened as read-only and you can't save changes unless you chose another name.
2016-06-13 05:15:04
Dawie
In Windows File Explorer, you can hold SHIFT while you RIGHT-CLICK on the file and then select OPEN READ ONLY
2016-06-09 12:53:15
Richard Lester
I am using Windows 7 and Office 10 and I do not see step 3. Therefore I can't run step 4.
Could you send me a screen shot of step 3 if possible.
2013-08-26 12:29:24
marco
Sometimes I'm already in a file before I realize I should be read-only, so I added the "Toggle Read Only" button to the Quick Access Toolbar - this allows you to make it read-only (to you)without closing and reopening.
2013-08-26 09:18:21
Robin
If I want my spreadsheets as "read only" I simply change the Properties for that file to "read only" (right-click on the file name in the folder's view, then select properties and "check" the Read-only box then save your changes). This forces a "Save as" when you save the document. This keeps me from changing the original document. I do this on lots of files that I use over and over again but don't want them as formal "templates" for whatever reason.
2013-08-26 08:21:44
Bryan
@Steve: this is such a generic question. Your preferred search engine of choice is your friend here:
* http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=import+excel+to+access
* http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=create+access+form
If your goal is to build an Access database, then you don't want to start it in Excel then move to Access; simply start it in Access from the get go:
* http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=create+access+database
* http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=begineer+access+tutorial
* http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=access+database+design
How you proceed depends entirely on what you already have, what you want your end goal to be, and how much detail you want.
2013-08-24 11:29:44
Steve
Excel seems like an easy & fast way to start a database project. Is there a tutorial on how to convert/morph an Excel spreadsheet into an Access database and then how to create an Access Form for input?
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
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