[Solved] Lock fomulas on spreadsheet, but allow entrees

[GVS]

Yup very low level guy here. Built a spread sheet. works well. Want it to be a live form, but if I highlight a square and change the value the formula in the back of the box changes. if I clear the value it takes the formula with it. to get it working again I have to re-enter the formula. so ... how can I lock the formula in place but still be able to change the value..? I'm working on a home loan spread sheet , payment, interest, balance, and others.

[FJCC]

A cell cannot contain both a value that you enter and a formula. It seems like you want to enter a value in a cell that already contains a formula. Why is that? The formula should give you the value you want. Can you upload a small file showing the kind of thing you want to do. Do not upload any confidential information. To upload a file, click Post Reply and look for the Upload Attachment tab just below the box where you type a response.

[GVS]

I must not understand your comment. the file works. but i want to be able to change dollar values.

[GVS]

sent the wrong doc.

[GVS]

please erase the first one.

loan-blank2.ods is the one I meant to send.

[GVS]

OK learned some lingo. when I click on a cell, a formula appears in the input line, if I hit the space bar next the cell and the input line go blank. then I have to re-enter the formula. how can I lock the input line so it can't be erased.?

[FJCC]

You cannot lock the content of the input line separately from the content of the the cell. The input line is merely showing the formula that is returning the value displayed in the cell. You can also see the formula by double clicking on the cell. What are you trying to do that requires changing the value of a cell that contains a formula?

[GVS]

OK maybe one will give me the other.how do I lock the formulas. and/or input line.?

[RusselB]

The input line shows the contents of the cell that is currently highlighted/active.
If there is nothing in that cell, then nothing shows in the input line, thus allowing you to enter information, text, number or formula, which, upon pressing the Enter key will place that information into the cell.
Cells and/or the entire spreadsheet can be locked, so that they can not be altered without a password.. You can read more on this in the help file under Protecting Cells from Changes

[FJCC]

The way cell protection works is that the default is to protect all cells if the sheet is protected. To protect only some cells, you must remove the protection setting from the cells you want to keep editable and then protect the sheet.
1. Select any cells you want to be able to edit.
2. Select the menu item Format -> Cells
3. On the Cell Protection tab remove the check mark from Protected then click OK
4. You can repeat steps 1 - 3 as needed to affect all the required cells.
5. Go to the menu item Tools -> Protect Document -> Sheet
6. Set a password for the protection if you want to but if you forget it, it will require some work to remove the protection.

Any cells not affected in steps 1 - 3 will now be protected. You cannot edit the formula they contain or enter a value.