How to Use Document Inspector in Excel

This tutorial demonstrates how to use the Document Inspector in Excel.

 

document inspector 4a

 

Document Inspector

Excel document inspector allows you to check documents for sensitive data, like personal information or hidden content. Using document inspector, you can easily find and remove all information before sharing your file with other people.

To explain how the document inspector works, let’s go through an example where several rows are hidden (for this example, Rows 3–5).

 

document inspector initial data

 

To analyze the file, follow these steps:

  1. In the Ribbon, go to File > Info.

 

document inspector 1

 

  1. In the Info window, click Check for Issues, and choose Inspect Document.

 

document inspector 2

 

  1. In the Document Inspector window, all analysis categories are checked by default; just press Inspect.

 

document inspector 3

 

As you can see, there is an issue with Document Properties and Personal Information. If you want to delete them and protect your workbook before sharing, click Remove All.

 

document inspector 4

 

Also, there is a warning for Hidden Rows and Columns (because Rows 3–5 were hidden on this sheet). To resolve this, click Remove All.

 

document inspector 4a

 

As a result, your personal information is removed from the file, and all hidden rows are now displayed.

Be aware when using the document inspector. When resolving issues, it will usually delete data to solve problems, and these changes can’t be undone.

The full list of content included in file inspection is: