What you will build
Protect B2:B3 in the _result workbook with a warning rule, so editors are warned before changing the sample values while the source data remains unchanged.
Learning objectives
Open the practice workbook
Practice in your own copy
Make your own Google Sheets copy with the same data, formulas, formatting, filter and frozen header. The original remains unchanged.
Sign in to Google. If the original is not publicly shared, download the full workbook and import it into Google Sheets, or paste the example data into your own sheet.
Hands-on practice
Step 1: Select B2:B3 (the two Value cells to protect), then choose Data > Protect sheets and ranges.
Step 2: In the Protected sheets & ranges sidebar, confirm the range is B2:B3. Choose Set permissions, select Show a warning when editing this range, choose Done in the Range editing permissions dialog, then choose Done again in the sidebar to save the rule.
Step 3: Try to edit B2. When the warning appears, choose Cancel so the data is not changed. Confirm B2 is still 1000 and B3 is still Linh.
Checkpoint
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Budget | 1000 |
| Owner | Linh |
Pass the checkpoint when B2:B3 has a warning protection rule and the data still reads Budget = 1000 and Owner = Linh.
Common mistakes and fixes
If you need to block edits instead of only warning, use Restrict who can edit this range and choose the permitted editors; this behaves differently from warning-only.
Independent practice
Add one temporary row in A4:B4, protect B4 with warning-only, test the warning, then delete the temporary row to restore the sample.
Key takeaways
- ✓Select exactly B2:B3 before opening the protection tool.
- ✓Open Data > Protect sheets and ranges and confirm the correct range.
- ✓Warning-only warns before an edit but does not block editing permission.
- ✓Use Restrict who can edit this range when edits must be limited to specific people.
- ✓After testing, restore the sample to Budget = 1000 and Owner = Linh.
Check your understanding
Answer four questions about the practice sheet.
Next lesson
Continue in recommended learning order with Use the Explore panel where available.
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