Workbook protection in Excel - Dashboard Guide

Dashboard Mode - Workbook protection

Dashboard Goal

Show how to protect an Excel workbook to prevent unwanted changes to sheets and structure.

Sample Data

Sheet Name	Purpose	Protected?
Sales Data	Stores monthly sales	No
Summary	Shows totals and charts	No
Settings	Contains formulas and parameters	No

Dashboard Components

• KPI Card: Workbook Protection Status
  Formula: =IF(GET.WORKBOOK(19)=1,"Protected","Not Protected")
  Shows if workbook structure is protected.
• Instruction Table: Steps to protect workbook:
  1. Go to Review tab
  2. Click Protect Workbook
  3. Choose to protect structure and windows
  4. Enter password (optional)
  5. Click OK
• Sheet Protection Status Table: Lists sheets and if they are protected.
  Formula example for cell C2:
  =IF(CELL("protect",'Sales Data'!A1)=1,"Protected","Unprotected") (Note: Uses CELL("protect", ref) function; sheet protection set via Review > Protect Sheet.)

Dashboard Layout

+----------------------+-------------------------+
| Workbook Protection  | Instruction Table       |
| Status (KPI Card)    |                         |
+----------------------+-------------------------+
| Sheet Protection Status Table                 |
|                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------+

Interactivity

When the workbook is protected or unprotected, the Workbook Protection Status KPI updates automatically.

Users can follow the instruction table to protect the workbook structure.

Sheet protection status updates automatically via formula (protect sheets via Review > Protect Sheet).

Self Check

Try protecting the workbook structure via the Review tab. Which dashboard component updates?

Answer: The Workbook Protection Status KPI card updates to show "Protected".

Key Result

Shows workbook protection status and guides users to protect workbook structure.