Sometimes you need to collaborate on a Google Sheet with people who don't have a Google account. Maybe you're working on a project with someone who doesn't use Google Docs, or maybe you're just trying to make it easier for people to fill out a form.
Whatever the reason, you can make a Google Sheet publicly editable so that anyone can fill it out. Some of the most common reasons for making a sheet publicly editable are:
- To create a contact form
-To make a sign-up sheet
-To collect data from a survey
-To allow apps or data services to access data
There are currently 3 permission levels associated with a Google Sheet: Viewer, Commenter, and Editor.
- A viewer can only view the sheet.
- A commenter can view and add comments.
- An editor can view, add comments, and edit.
Make a Google Sheet Publicly Editable
To make a sheet editable to anyone with the link, regardless of whether or not they have a Google account, follow these simple steps:
1. Click on the Share button in the top right corner of the sheet.
2. In the "Share with Others" dialog box, change the General Access permission level to "Anyone with the link" and set the field to Editable.
3. Click Save.
That's it! Now anyone who has the link to the sheet will be able to edit it. Keep in mind that anyone with the link will be able to see and edit any data in the sheet, so be careful who you share it with.
How to Make a Google Form Public, But Not Editable
If you want to enable public viewing on a form but keep the access to be read-only. You would still give general access to anyone with the link but set the editing option to view or comment only:
Restrict Certain Cells in Google Sheets
If you want to prevent people from accidentally editing your data, you can lock specific cells or ranges. To do this, select the cells or ranges you want to lock, click the Data menu, and then select "Protected ranges and cells."
In the protected ranges and cells dialog box, give your range a name and set the permission level to "Only me." Now only you will be able to edit those cells.
You can also add comments to specific cells to give people instructions on what data should go there. To add a comment, select the cell and then click the Insert menu and select "Comment."
In the comment box, type your message and then click Save. Now anyone who views the sheet will see your comment when they hover over that cell.
Keep in mind that comments are only visible to people who have access to the sheet. If you want to give someone specific instructions on how to fill out a publicly editable sheet, you'll need to share the sheet with them directly so they can see your comments.
Conclusion
Making a Google Sheet publicly editable is a great way to collaborate with others, whether they have a Google account or not. While keeping a sheet publicly editable, you can restrict certain cells so that people can only edit them if they have the right permissions. Common reasons to make your sheet public are for sign-up sheets or feedback forms. Whatever your reason, anyone with the link will be able to edit your sheet. Best of luck!
