Forum Discussion
Protected sheet - how to edit text in unlocked cells
I have an excel spreadsheet with a protected sheet. There are certain unlocked cells that allow for data input.
My issue, is around updating data in the unlocked cells. Once data has been input into the cell, if I double click on the cell again to edit the text, all the text disappears. This only occurs on a protected sheet, so seems to be a 'feature' or limitation of a protected sheet.
Is there a way to stop the text disappearing? I just want to be able to double click in the cell and edit the text without it disappearing on me. I'm avoiding using macros/VBA as I don't want a macro-enabled workbook as I need to email this document to external customers and don't want the file to be blocked by their mail servers.
6 Replies
To stop text from disappearing when editing unlocked cells in a protected Excel sheet, you need to follow these steps.
First, unlock the cells by selecting them, right-clicking, and choosing "Format Cells." Then, go to the Protection tab and uncheck the "Locked" optionPlease try on below:
- Use Single Click for Editing: Instead of double-clicking to edit, you can select the cell and press F2 to enter edit mode. This method should prevent the text from disappearing.
- Adjust Protection Settings: When protecting the sheet, ensure that the option "Select locked cells" is unchecked, but "Select unlocked cells" is checked. This might help in some cases.
- Check for Conditional Formatting or Data Validation: Sometimes, conditional formatting or data validation rules can cause unexpected behavior. Ensure that these settings are not affecting the unlocked cells.
Thanks for your assistance. I have found the solution. I had the cell "hidden", so when the sheet was protected, the text would disappear instead of allowing me to edit it.
I have now unchecked the "hidden" setting under "Format Cells" and I can now edit the text on a protected sheet.That isn't happening for me. can you attach a sample where it is happening and/or tell us more details on the exact settings you are using.
Instead of double clicking, have you tried pressing F2 ?
I have just tried pressing F2 instead of double clicking as you have suggested, but the same thing occurs. The text disappears instead of placing a cursor inside the cell text to allow me to edit it.
