How to Use WPS Area Permissions on Windows

Use Area Permissions through 5 how-to topics in WPS Spreadsheet; choose a topic from the index and follow the entry path and steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Open Area Permissions

Entry path: Collaboration tab → Protect Area

1. Open the worksheet where you want to set permissions.
2. Click the Collaboration tab at the top.
3. Click the Protect Area button on the toolbar.
4. Select Area Permissions from the drop-down menu.
5. The Protect Area panel opens on the right.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The Protect Area panel appears on the right side.
• Next action available: You can see the controls for area permissions, settings, or adding a protected range.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you click Auto Hide Content, you will open a different feature instead of area permissions.

2. Turn On Area Permissions

Entry path: Protect Area panel

1. Find the Turn On Area Permissions switch in the right panel.
2. Click the switch to turn it on.
3. Confirm that the switch shows the enabled state.
4. Review the protection note shown in the panel.
5. If you need more configuration, click Settings in the upper-right area.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The switch is shown as enabled.
• Next action available: You can continue to password settings or add a protected range.

Tips While Using

• Environment note: For selected-user permission scenarios, sign in to your account before assigning collaborators.

3. Choose a Password Method

Entry path: Protect Area panel → Settings → Set Password

1. In the Protect Area panel, click Settings.
2. Select Set Password.
3. In the dialog box, review the three options: No Password, System-assigned Password, and Custom Password.
4. Select the password method you want to use.
5. Click OK to save the setting, or click Cancel to leave without saving.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The password dialog closes and returns to the Protect Area panel.
• Next action available: You can continue to add protected ranges with the current password policy.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Closing the dialog before confirming the password method means the setting will not be saved.

4. Add a Protected Range and Set Permissions

Entry path: Protect Area panel → + Add Protected Range

1. Click + Add Protected Range at the bottom of the panel.
2. In the Protect Area dialog box, confirm the current range label.
3. Choose the protection scope as a selected range or the current worksheet.
4. In the permission area, choose Only I Can Edit or Selected Users Can View/Edit.
5. Set the permission level for Others if needed.
6. Click OK to save.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The new protected range appears in the list on the right.
• Next action available: You can add more ranges or edit existing rules.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the correct cells are not selected first, the protected scope may not match what you intended.
• Environment note: For selected-user permissions, make sure the collaborators are already part of the shared file workflow.

5. Manage Protected Ranges

Entry path: Protect Area panel → Protected range list

1. Review the list of protected ranges in the right panel.
2. Adjust the permission for Remaining cells for others if needed.
3. Click Edit next to a range to change its permission settings.
4. Click Delete next to a range to remove that protection.
5. Check the permission label shown under each range to confirm the current rule.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The permission status in the range list is updated.
• Next action available: You can continue to add, edit, or remove other protected ranges.

Tips While Using

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