How to Protect PivotCharts While Allowing Slicer Use in WPS Spreadsheets
Question details
The user needs to protect PivotCharts in WPS Spreadsheets from being moved, resized, selected, or formatted while still allowing slicer interaction.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is preparing an interactive report or dashboard with PivotCharts and slicers and wants to share it without letting others alter the chart layout.
- Observed behavior
- By default, PivotCharts and slicers are drawing objects that may be moved, resized, selected, or formatted. Normal sheet protection also locks slicers unless they are unlocked first.
Make sure all PivotCharts and slicers are already inserted and arranged on the target worksheet. In WPS Spreadsheets, slicers are locked by default, so you must clear the Locked option on each slicer before protecting the sheet.
Unlock Slicers and Protect the Sheet Without Editing Objects
Use this method when you want to lock PivotCharts and other objects while keeping slicers responsive for users.
WPS Spreadsheets locks drawing objects such as slicers and charts by default. If you protect the sheet with Edit objects checked, all objects are locked. Clearing Locked on each slicer makes only those slicers editable after protection.
Right-click the first slicer connected to your PivotChart, then choose Size and Properties from the shortcut menu. In the Format Slicer pane that appears on the right, locate the Locked option.
Under the Properties section, clear the Locked check box. Repeat this right-click > Size and Properties step for every slicer you want users to keep using.
Go to the Review tab on the WPS Spreadsheets ribbon and click Protect Sheet.
Select the actions you want users to perform, such as Select locked cells or Select unlocked cells, but leave Edit objects unchecked. Enter a password in the password field if you want to require one.
Click OK and re-enter the password if prompted. Your PivotCharts are now protected from moving, resizing, and formatting, while the unlocked slicers remain interactive.
Protect PivotCharts in WPS Spreadsheets While Keeping Slicers Interactive
WPS Spreadsheets includes the same Review > Protect Sheet command and Format Slicer pane as Excel, letting you lock PivotCharts while leaving slicers interactive. This free Office alternative keeps your dashboard protection workflow familiar and your Excel files compatible.
- 1. Open the workbook: Launch WPS Office and open the workbook that contains the PivotChart and slicers in WPS Spreadsheets.
- 2. Unlock each slicer: Right-click each slicer, select Size and Properties, and clear Locked under the Properties section.
- 3. Protect the sheet: Click the Review tab, select Protect Sheet, and choose the actions users are allowed to perform.
- 4. Leave Edit objects unchecked: Make sure Edit objects is not selected so all other drawing objects including PivotCharts stay locked. Add a password if needed, then click OK.
- 5. Save and share: Save the workbook and share it. Users can use slicers but cannot move, resize, select, or format the PivotCharts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are slicers locked after I protect the sheet?
Slicers are drawing objects and are locked by default. Right-click each slicer, choose Size and Properties, and clear the Locked option before clicking Review > Protect Sheet.
Do I have to unlock each slicer separately?
Yes, the lock setting applies per object. Unlock every slicer you want to remain interactive while leaving PivotCharts locked.
Can I protect PivotCharts with a password in WPS Spreadsheets?
Yes. In the Protect Sheet dialog, enter a password and confirm it. Users without the password cannot turn off protection.
Will this protection work if the file is opened in Microsoft Excel?
In most .xlsx and .xls files, the object lock and sheet protection settings are preserved. Always test in Excel because slicer behavior may vary by version.
What if I accidentally leave Edit objects checked?
Then all objects, including PivotCharts, may be selected or edited. Unprotect the sheet, clear Locked only on slicers, and protect again with Edit objects unchecked.
