How To Share An Excel File For Easy Collaboration

Plus how to add back Shared Workbook feature

Collaboration is important in many work spaces. Since most projects require files to be accessed by a lot of users, collaborative setups have become necessary.

Microsoft Excel is one is just one of the many programs used by companies worldwide. As such, the need for shared workbooks is crucial.

In this post, you’ll learn how you and your team can collaborate using Excel 2016 and other versions of Excel online.

Share Excel Files Offline

If you have a local area connection, all users in the network can have access to any file. Not only that, any changes made to the file can be tracked. You can also set which users would have access to the file.

Start by saving the file in a location that can be accessed by everyone in your group. You can then set your file for collaboration.

Office 365 users will find theShared Workbookfeature hidden by default. This is because Microsoft encourages users to share workbooks online.

Here’s how you enable the feature. If you’re using an older version of Excel, you can skip to the succeeding section –Sharing a Document.

Those who followed the steps in theAdding Back Shared Workbook Featuresection will find theShare Workbookbutton (along with the other commands you added) in theQuick Access Toolbarinstead.

The steps above give everyone access to your file. But it also gives everyone administrative access by default. Protecting your file means access to the file will be limited and tracked.

Share Excel Files Online

While working offline is a great solution, you’re hampered by the necessity for a shared local drive. Working online is clearly the better choice. Here’s how you do it.

Google Drive is probably the easiest way to work on a project simultaneously. Anyone with a Google account can access files and edit as needed.

This will give you the option to share the spreadsheet by entering an email address or by sharing a link to your colleagues.

All changes are automatically tracked and saved. You can work on the document together in real-time which is very convenient.

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to ’80s speed metal.Read Christopher’s Full Bio

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