jx:protect

jx:protect applies Excel sheet protection to the output. Lock formulas, prevent structure changes, or allow editing only in specific unlocked cells. Essential for reports that are shared with end users who shouldn’t modify certain data.

Syntax

jx:protect(lastCell="A1" password="secret")
jx:protect(lastCell="A1" password="secret" sheet="true" formatCells="false" insertRows="false")

Attributes

Attribute	Required	Description
lastCell	Yes	Bottom-right cell of the command area
password	No	Protection password (empty = protection without password)
sheet	No	Protect the entire sheet (default: true)
formatCells	No	Allow formatting cells (default: false)
formatColumns	No	Allow formatting columns (default: false)
formatRows	No	Allow formatting rows (default: false)
insertColumns	No	Allow inserting columns (default: false)
insertRows	No	Allow inserting rows (default: false)
insertHyperlinks	No	Allow inserting hyperlinks (default: false)
deleteColumns	No	Allow deleting columns (default: false)
deleteRows	No	Allow deleting rows (default: false)
selectLockedCells	No	Allow selecting locked cells (default: true)
sort	No	Allow sorting (default: false)
autoFilter	No	Allow auto-filter (default: false)
pivotTables	No	Allow pivot table operations (default: false)

When to use jx:protect

Use it when your generated reports are shared with non-technical users and you need to prevent accidental or intentional modification:

• Lock formula cells in financial reports (users see results but can’t edit formulas)
• Protect structure in audit reports (no row/column insertion or deletion)
• Allow only specific cells for input (combine with unlocked cell formatting)
• Prevent tampering with generated compliance or regulatory documents

Example: Basic sheet protection

Cell A1 comment:
  jx:area(lastCell="D10")
  jx:each(items="items" var="item" lastCell="D1")
  jx:protect(lastCell="A1" password="report2024")

The entire output sheet is protected. Users can view and select cells but cannot edit anything. The password report2024 is required to unprotect.

Example: Allow sorting and filtering

jx:protect(lastCell="A1" password="secret" sort="true" autoFilter="true")

The sheet is protected but users can sort and filter data. Perfect for read-only reports that still need to be interactive.

Example: Protection without password

jx:protect(lastCell="A1")

Light protection — prevents accidental edits but anyone can unprotect via the Review tab. Good for “don’t touch this” signals without enforcing it.

Unlocked cells for input

To allow editing specific cells while protecting everything else:

1. In your template, select the input cells and set their format to “Unlocked” (Format Cells > Protection > uncheck Locked)
2. Add jx:protect to the template

Protected cells stay locked; unlocked cells remain editable. This is the standard Excel pattern for form-style spreadsheets.

What’s next?

Create named ranges for formula references:

jx:definedName →