In today's fast-paced work environment, efficiency is key. One of the ways to streamline your work processes is by ensuring your Excel files are properly organized with the correct author name. Whether you're collaborating on projects, managing documents in a team, or simply keeping your records in order, having the correct author name can save time and avoid confusion. Here's a quick guide on how to update the author name in Microsoft Excel across different versions.
Locating Document Properties in Excel
Before you dive into changing your author name, you need to locate the document properties section. This is where you can find and modify details about your document including the author:
- Excel 2016/2019/Office 365: Click on ‘File’, then ‘Info’.
- Excel 2013: Go to ‘File’, click ‘Info’, then ‘Properties’ > ‘Show Document Panel’.
- Excel 2010: Select ‘File’, then ‘Info’, and find the ‘Properties’ drop-down.
How to Change Your Author Name
Once you’ve located the document properties, follow these steps to change the author name:
- In the Document Panel: If you’re using Excel 2013 or an earlier version, the Document Panel will open where you can directly type in a new author name.
- Advanced Properties: For newer versions or if you prefer, click ‘Advanced Properties’. A dialogue box will open with several tabs. Go to the ‘Summary’ tab to change the Author field.
📝 Note: Updating the author name in this manner changes it for the current document only. To set a default author name for all new files, you’ll need to adjust your user details in Excel options or on the Windows registry.
Setting a Default Author Name
If you’re looking to set a default author name for all future Excel documents, here are the steps:
- In Excel: Click ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘General’, then update the ‘User name’ field.
- Through Registry (Windows): This is for more advanced users. Navigate to the Windows Registry Editor by searching for ‘regedit’. Go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office, find your Office version, then modify the ‘User Name’ value data.
Why Correct Author Name Matters
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Collaboration | Ensures clarity on who’s responsible for changes or contributions. |
| Version Control | Helps in tracking document history and maintaining accountability. |
| Document Integrity | Keeps the document authentic and prevents unauthorized changes. |
By keeping your author name up to date, you ensure that your Excel files are professionally managed and ready for collaboration. Whether you're part of a team or working independently, setting the correct author name is an essential step toward better document management.
Can I update the author name for all my Excel documents at once?
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No, you have to update the author name for each document individually or set a default author name for new documents through Excel options or the Windows Registry.
What happens if I don’t set the author name in Excel?
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Excel will automatically use your Windows login name or the last saved author name. This might not always be accurate or reflective of the document’s true owner or collaborator.
Is changing the author name reversible?
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Yes, you can always revert to the previous author name or set a new one as needed.
Can the author name be hidden or removed?
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While you can’t completely remove the author name, you can anonymize or leave the field blank. However, if the document is shared, others might still see it through document properties.
