Read only templates

[jondallimore]

Perhaps not strictly an excel question, but...

I would like to set an excel sheet to read only to serve as a template file.

However - when someone copies the file, the copy is also read only.

How can I make the template file read only, but any copies of it editable? Is it a windows function, or can it be done within Excel, maybe VBA?

thanks
Jon

 

[sijpie]

It can be done with VBA, but I am not sure if that is the route you want to take. How are the copies of the template made?

1. Do the users just make a copy in File Manager, or
2. do they open the template and save it as?
3. Or do they use a macro to open the template?

 

[jondallimore]

They may copy in file explorer or open and save as. They will never use a macro.

 

[sijpie]

If you do not set to Read only in Excel, but in Windows Explorer right click , properties and set to read only there, then if they make a copy in Explorer the copy is not read only,. if the open by double clicking the template, then they need to do a file save anyway. Does that help?

 

[jondallimore]

The copy DOES remain read only. However, it would force a Save As.

 

[sijpie]

Mmh, with me a copy made in Explorer loses The read only attributen.

 

[jondallimore]

Not with me. Maybe its a windows setting.

It actually works better - users are prompted to save as a different file, which is whats needed.

One question - is there a way to lock the setting, so no users can right click and change it through properties?

 

[sijpie]

Yes : if the user has only read access to the directory.