Forum Discussion
How to prevent regions of cells from being shifted in a sheet
We have an Excel spreadsheet used for tracking serial numbers. There are a number of columns with information tied to a serial number, like PO#, part name, waivers, etc.. We have around 20 employees now who are editing this sheet, and sometimes will insert cells rather than rows. This misaligns the data in the columns making it difficult or impossible to search until it is fixed, which can be time consuming if this mistake has been made multiple times.
I would like to prevent users from inserting cells and only allow rows to be inserted. Protecting the sheet does this but users also need to be able to edit the contents of the cells. Is there a way to only allow inserting rows (not individual cells or cell ranges), while still allowing data entry?
You can prevent users from inserting individual cells while still allowing them to insert entire rows and edit data. Here’s how:
Solution: Protect Sheet with Selective Permissions
You can protect the sheet while allowing row insertions and cell editing. Here's how:
Step 1: Unlock All Editable Cells
1. Select all the data-entry cells that employees need to edit.
2. Right-click > Format Cells > Protection tab.
3. Uncheck Locked > Click OK.
Step 2: Protect the Sheet with Restrictions
1. Go to Review > Protect Sheet.
2. In the Protect Sheet window:
Check "Insert rows" (This allows users to add rows but not insert cells).
Uncheck "Insert columns" and "Insert cells" (This prevents shifting misalignment).
Keep "Select locked/unlocked cells" checked (so users can still edit data).
3. Set a password (optional) and click OK.
Users can edit cells and insert entire rows, but cannot insert or delete individual cells, preventing misalignment.
You maintain data integrity while still allowing collaboration.
This should effectively prevent the shifting issue.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
I hope this suggestion help resolve the problems you're encountering.
