To lock certain cells in Excel, the general process is as follows:
- By default, all cells are locked but this takes effect only when the worksheet is protected.
- First, unlock all cells so that only the selected ones will be locked.
- Select the entire worksheet (click the square at the top-left corner or press Ctrl+A).
- Right-click, choose "Format Cells," go to the Protection tab, and uncheck "Locked." Click OK.
- Now select the specific cells you want to lock.
- Right-click the selected cells, choose "Format Cells," go to the Protection tab, and check "Locked." Click OK.
- Finally, protect the worksheet:
- Go to the Review tab and click "Protect Sheet."
- Set a password if desired and confirm.
After this, only the locked cells will be protected from editing; the unlocked cells can still be changed. This method also allows you to lock cells with formulas to prevent changes while letting other cells be editable. Remember, cell locking only works once the sheet is protected. This is the recommended way to lock certain cells in Excel for data protection and control of editable areas.
