How To Change Author In Excel

Changing the author in Excel documents is a common need for users who collaborate on spreadsheets or take over projects from others. This task involves accessing document properties and modifying metadata.

While Excel offers a way to alter this information, the process can be streamlined using tools like Sourcetable. In the following sections, we'll explore why Sourcetable is easier for adjusting authorship details in Excel documents.

How to Change Author in Excel

Using Prepare for Sharing

To change the author name in Excel 2010, access the "Prepare for Sharing" feature. This is found under the "File" tab. It provides the option to remove all personal information from the document, including the original author's name. This feature also checks for issues that may be present in the document before sharing.

Through Windows Explorer

Another method to change the author is via Windows Explorer. Right-click the Excel file, select 'Properties,' and navigate to the 'Details' tab. Use the 'Remove Properties and Personal Information' option to delete the original author name. This process is applicable to Excel files as they are ZIP files with XML content that may contain identifiable strings.

Editing XML Contents

For advanced users, searching through the XML contents of an Excel file can reveal strings that identify people or organizations. Tools like grep in Linux or Cygwin in Windows are effective for such searches, which allow for manual removal or alteration of author details.

Updating Document Properties

In Excel 2019, 2016, and 2013, change the author name by utilizing the 'File' tab, selecting 'Info', then 'Properties'. Here, you can view, alter, or remove document metadata, including creator details. The Document Inspector and Protect Workbook feature also provide avenues for managing and securing document properties.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Modern Spreadsheet Comparison

Excel, a longstanding leader in spreadsheet software, meets its innovative match with Sourcetable, a modern tool designed for centralized data management. Sourcetable's unique selling point is its ability to amalgamate disparate data sources into a singular, cohesive interface.

While Excel requires manual formula creation, Sourcetable's AI copilot streamlines this process. The AI assistant empowers users to generate complex formulas and templates through a conversational chat interface, significantly reducing the learning curve and enhancing productivity.

Sourcetable's integration capabilities far surpass those of traditional Excel, offering a seamless experience for users dealing with multiple data streams. This direct integration allows for real-time data querying without the need for external data processing tools.

The AI-driven assistance in Sourcetable marks a leap forward in user support, contrasting sharply with Excel's more manual and traditional approach. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who are not well-versed in spreadsheet functions or who require rapid formula creation.

In the evolving landscape of data analysis tools, Sourcetable positions itself as a more intuitive and efficient alternative to Excel, catering to the needs of contemporary data management and analysis.