How to Use WPS Area Permissions on macOS

Use Area Permissions with 5 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps in order.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Open Area Permissions

Entry: Collaboration → Protected Range

1. Open the spreadsheet file where you want to set permissions.
2. Click the Collaboration tab at the top.
3. Click the Protected Range button on the toolbar.
4. In the drop-down menu, select Area Permissions.
5. Confirm that the Protected Range panel opens on the right.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The Protected Range panel appears on the right side.
• Next step available: You can see the switch or settings related to area permissions.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you choose Auto Hide Content instead, the area permissions panel will not open.

2. Turn On Area Permissions

Entry: Right-side Protected Range panel

1. Find the Turn On Area Permissions switch in the right-side panel.
2. Click the switch to enable the feature.
3. Confirm that the switch shows the enabled state.
4. Review the protection description shown in the panel.
5. If you need more settings, click Settings in the upper-right area.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The switch shows that area permissions are enabled.
• Next step available: You can continue to password settings and protected-range setup.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the main switch is not enabled first, later protected-range settings may not work as expected.

3. Choose a Password Method

Entry: Protected Range panel → Settings → Set Password

1. In the Protected Range panel, click Settings.
2. Select Set Password.
3. Review the available options in the dialog box.
4. Choose No Password, System-assigned Password, or Custom Password as needed.
5. Click OK to save, or click Cancel to leave the setting unchanged.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The password dialog closes and returns you to the Protected Range panel.
• Next step available: You can continue to add a protected range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you choose a password option but do not click OK, the setting is not saved.

4. Add a Protected Range and Set Permissions

Entry: Protected Range panel → + Add Protected Range

1. Click + Add Protected Range at the bottom of the panel.
2. In the Protected Range dialog box, confirm the current range label.
3. Choose the protection scope with Selected Range or Current Worksheet.
4. Set permissions with Only I Can Edit or Specific People Can View/Edit.
5. Set the permission level for Others if needed.
6. Click OK to save the protected range.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The new protected range appears in the list on the right.
• Next step available: You can add, edit, or delete other protected ranges.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the range address is not selected correctly, the protected scope may not match what you intended.
• Environment note: For collaborator-specific permissions, stay signed in and keep your network connection available.

5. Manage Protected Ranges

Entry: Protected Range panel → Existing protected range list

1. Review the list of protected ranges in the right-side panel.
2. Adjust the permission level for the remaining area for others as needed.
3. Click Edit next to a range to change its permission settings.
4. Click Delete next to a range to remove its protection.
5. Check the permission label shown under each range to confirm the current state.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The permission status in the range list updates to the latest settings.
• Next step available: You can continue maintaining other ranges or turn off the main switch.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Deleting a range removes its protection immediately, so confirm the impact before you proceed.