Is there a way to protect a chart worksheet so that a user cannot resize the graph?

I have several excel files in which lab techs enter data daily into several sheets and then I come back monthly and update the corresponding charts (separate sheets in the workbook) to analyze for trends. They techs have a tendency to resize the graphs on the chart sheets, rather than using the Zoom function to fit the chart into view. I have to come back each time and expand/adjust the graphs on the chart sheets.

Any way to protect the graphs from being resized??

3/18/2008 10:33:17 AM

yes, you can protect the sheet, but allow editable ranges.

Go to Tools > Protection > Allow Users to Edit Ranges

then you can define ranges of cells that the users can edit, then you can choose to protect the whole sheet with a password except those ranges. Any edits the users make to the editable ranges will be reflected in the graph, but the graph cannot be edited/resized/moved directly by the user

3/18/2008 11:23:25 AM

that's not working for me. the chart is on a separate sheet from the data. protecting the sheet that the chart is on does not keep users from being able to resize or reposition the graph, legend, etc.

3/18/2008 12:45:34 PM

dammit had to deal with it again. why can't they use the zoom instead of resizing the damn chart object?

4/15/2008 3:07:24 PM

Gotta ask but have you tried just telling them? While it's more likely they have priority, if they know there's an issue and you aren't a bitch about it I can see them at least cutting down on it a bit.

Did ya get that thing I sent ya?

4/15/2008 8:59:12 PM

When I protect a sheet with the default options I can't resize the graphs. I'm not sure what problem you're having. Then again, I'm probably on an older version of office.

A quick google search yielded the following:

Protecting Charts
Both chart sheets and embedded charts can be protected manually by pressing (Tools > Protection > ProtectSheet)

Protect worksheet for Contents – This prevents any changes to the chart format. Source data can be updated but not changes. Any objects (textboxes or shapes) on the chart are not protected.

Protect worksheet for Objects – This prevents changes to any objects (textboxes or shapes) on the chart. The formatting and source data can be changed. This prevents an embedded chart from being selected.

Even if a chart sheet is protected it can still be deleted.

Protecting a worksheet will protect any embedded charts, assuming there “locked” status” is True(ie Ticked).

You can change the locked status of a chart by holding down Shift and selecting the chart (displaying white handles). Select (Format > Object)(“Protection” tab)

4/15/2008 9:17:52 PM

^^ yes, i have asked them nicely to not resize the charts, and they still do it anyway. i'm not sure if it's on purpose or if they just still don't understand the difference between zoom and resize.

^ i can protect the charts if they are objects in a sheet, but not if they are on their own sheets (chart sheets)

4/16/2008 4:22:26 PM