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How to Protect an Excel Workbook

1. Open and Save Your Workbook

Section titled “1. Open and Save Your Workbook”

Begin by opening the workbook you wish to protect in Excel. Ensure all changes are saved before proceeding.

2. Configure Protection Options

Section titled “2. Configure Protection Options”

To begin, open the XLS Padlock interface from the Excel ribbon:

  • Before Excel 2007: Use the “XLS Padlock” menu.

    XLS Padlock menu in Excel before the 2007 ribbon interface

  • Excel 2007 and later: Click “Secure Compile to Exe” in the “XLS Padlock” ribbon tab.

    Secure Compile to Exe button in the XLS Padlock ribbon tab

3. Build Your Application

Section titled “3. Build Your Application”

After configuring your application’s settings, click the “Build Secure Application” button or press F5. XLS Padlock will compile your workbook and create the application EXE file.

Build Secure Application button in the XLS Padlock interface

Upon completion, a confirmation message will appear:

Compilation confirmation dialog with options to run the application or open the destination folder

From this dialog, you can immediately run the application, view the compilation log (especially useful for troubleshooting errors), or open the destination folder.

👉 See Also:

How to distribute a protected workbook