Changing the author in Excel is a straightforward process that involves accessing the document properties and updating the author information. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the author name in Excel so that your files display the correct information.
Step by Step Tutorial to Change Author in Excel
This part of the article will walk you through each step needed to change the author in Excel. By the end of these steps, your Excel file will reflect the new author name.
Step 1: Open Your Excel File
Open the Excel file for which you want to change the author information.
Once you have your Excel document open, you’ll be able to access the settings needed to update the author details.
Step 2: Go to the File Tab
Click on the ‘File’ tab located in the top-left corner of the screen.
The ‘File’ tab will take you to a new view where you’ll find various options related to file management, including the document properties.
Step 3: Access the Info Section
In the menu that appears, click on ‘Info’.
The ‘Info’ section displays various details about your document, such as the file size, author, creation date, and more.
Step 4: Click on ‘Properties’
Within the ‘Info’ section, click on the ‘Properties’ dropdown menu.
The ‘Properties’ menu allows you to view and edit the document properties, such as title, author, keywords, and more.
Step 5: Select ‘Advanced Properties’
Choose ‘Advanced Properties’ from the dropdown menu.
This opens a dialog box where you can make detailed changes to the document’s metadata, including the author name.
Step 6: Update the Author Name
In the ‘Advanced Properties’ dialog box, navigate to the ‘Summary’ tab and update the ‘Author’ field with the new name.
Make sure to enter the correct name you want to be displayed as the author of the document.
Step 7: Save Your Changes
Click ‘OK’ to save your changes and then save the Excel file.
After you click ‘OK’, your changes will be applied, and the new author name will be saved with the file.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the new author name will be displayed whenever the document is accessed.
Tips for Changing the Author in Excel
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind while changing the author in Excel:
- Always double-check the spelling of the new author name before saving changes.
- If you frequently need to change document properties, consider creating a template with the correct author name.
- Use the ‘Comments’ section in ‘Advanced Properties’ to add additional notes about the changes made.
- Ensure you have permission to change the author information, especially in a collaborative work environment.
- For multiple files, consider using a batch processing tool to update author names more efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the author name for multiple Excel files at once?
Yes, you can use third-party batch processing tools to update the author name for multiple files simultaneously.
Does changing the author name affect document history?
No, changing the author name does not affect the document’s history or the tracked changes within the file.
Is there a way to see the previous author names?
No, once you change the author name, the previous information is overwritten and cannot be retrieved.
Can I automate the process of changing the author name using VBA?
Yes, you can write a VBA script to automate the process of changing the author name in Excel.
Is it possible to change the author name in Excel Online?
No, the option to change document properties, including the author name, is not available in Excel Online.
Summary
- Open Your Excel File
- Go to the File Tab
- Access the Info Section
- Click on ‘Properties’
- Select ‘Advanced Properties’
- Update the Author Name
- Save Your Changes
Conclusion
Changing the author in Excel is a simple yet essential task, especially in professional or academic settings. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly update the author information to reflect the correct individual. This ensures that your documents are properly attributed and maintains a level of professionalism and accuracy.
If you frequently work with shared documents, understanding how to change the author in Excel can save you time and prevent any confusion about document ownership. For more advanced needs, such as batch processing or automation, consider exploring additional Excel features or third-party tools.
By mastering these basic Excel functions, you not only enhance your technical skills but also contribute to smoother collaborative workflows. So, next time you need to update the author information, you’ll know exactly what to do!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.