How Do I Change the Author of an Excel Spreadsheet

Changing the author of an Excel spreadsheet is quick and easy once you know where to look. You can update the author name through Excel’s built-in document properties, the Info panel, or even by editing the file’s metadata directly. This guide walks you through every method step by step so you can claim ownership or correct the author name in seconds.

Have you ever opened an Excel file and noticed the wrong author name staring back at you? Maybe a colleague created it, or perhaps you inherited the file from an old project. Whatever the reason, changing the author of an Excel spreadsheet is something you can do in just a few clicks.

In this guide, I will walk you through every method available. Whether you want to update the author name, remove it completely, or simply understand how Excel stores this information, you will find everything you need right here. Let us get started.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple Methods Available: You can change the author through the File Info panel, Document Properties, or by editing XML directly.
• Works Across Versions: These steps apply to Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.
• Metadata Matters: The author name appears in file properties, tracked changes, and shared workbooks.
• Remove or Replace: You can either update the existing author name or remove it entirely.
• Quick and Simple: Most methods take less than a minute to complete.
• Protect Your Identity: Updating author details helps keep your documents professional and accurate.

Why You Might Need to Change the Author of an Excel Spreadsheet

Before diving into the how-to, let us talk about why this matters. The author name in Excel is more than just a label. It shows up in several places that affect how you work with files.

Here are some common reasons you might need to update this information:

• Shared Workbooks: When multiple people edit a file, the author tag helps identify who made what changes.
• Professional Presentation: A file with the wrong author name looks unprofessional in client-facing documents.
• Ownership Transfer: When you take over a project, you want the file to reflect your name as the current owner.
• Document Tracking: Excel uses the author name in version history and change tracking features.
• Compliance and Auditing: Some organizations require accurate metadata for record-keeping purposes.

No matter the reason, updating the spreadsheet metadata is a straightforward process. Let us look at the different ways to do it.

Method 1: Change the Author Through the File Info Panel

This is the easiest and most common way to edit the author name in Excel. It works in all modern versions of Excel.

Follow these steps:

1. Open your Excel spreadsheet.
2. Click on the File tab in the top-left corner.
3. Select Info from the left sidebar.
4. Look for the Properties section.
5. Click on Show All Properties if you do not see the author field.
6. Click on the author name field and type the new name.
7. Press Enter to save the change.

That is it! The new author name will now appear in the file properties. This method also updates the document properties Excel uses for tracking and sharing.

Tip: Update Multiple Properties at Once

While you are in the Info panel, take a moment to review other properties too. You can update the title, subject, category, and even add tags. Keeping your Excel file properties organized makes files much easier to find later.

Method 2: Change the Author via Document Properties

If you prefer a more detailed approach, you can access the full document properties window. This gives you more control over the Excel document properties and metadata.

Here is how to do it:

1. Open the Excel file.
2. Go to File and then click Info.
3. Click on Properties near the top of the page.
4. Select Advanced Properties from the dropdown.
5. A new window will open. Go to the Summary tab.
6. Find the Author field and type the new name.
7. Click OK to save.

This method is especially useful when you need to update several properties at the same time. You can also see the last modified date and other details in this window.

Method 3: Remove the Author Completely

Sometimes you do not want to change the author name. Instead, you want to remove it entirely. This is helpful when sharing files publicly or when the original author is no longer relevant.

To remove the author, follow these steps:

1. Open the file in Excel.
2. Go to File and then Info.
3. Click on Check for Issues.
4. Select Inspect Document from the dropdown.
5. The Document Inspector window will open.
6. Check the box for Document Properties and Personal Information.
7. Click Inspect.
8. If results appear, click Remove All next to the relevant item.

This will strip the author name and other personal details from the file. Keep in mind that this process also removes other metadata, so use it carefully.

Method 4: Change the Author by Editing the XML Directly

For advanced users, you can edit the spreadsheet metadata directly through the XML code. This method works well when you need to change the author for many files at once.

Here is a quick overview of the process:

1. Make a backup copy of your Excel file.
2. Change the file extension from .xlsx to .zip.
3. Extract the ZIP file to a folder.
4. Open the docProps folder inside the extracted files.
5. Edit the core.xml file with a text editor.
6. Find the <dc:creator> tag and replace the name.
7. Save the file and repackage everything back into a ZIP.
8. Change the extension back to .xlsx.

This method gives you full control but requires some technical comfort. If you are not familiar with XML, stick with the first three methods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing the Author

Changing the author name seems simple, but people make mistakes that cause problems. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Forgetting to Save: Always save the file after making changes. Otherwise, the new author name will not stick.
• Not Checking Tracked Changes: If your file has tracked changes enabled, the old author name may still appear in the revision history.
• Editing the Wrong File: Double-check that you are editing the correct file, especially when working with similar file names.
• Ignoring Shared Workbook Settings: In shared workbooks, the author name is tied to your user profile. Changing the file property does not always update your profile name.
• Skipping the Backup: Always make a copy before editing metadata directly through XML or advanced tools.

Avoiding these pitfalls will save you time and frustration. A little care goes a long way when working with Excel file metadata.

Expert Tips for Managing Excel Authors

Want to get even better at handling author information in Excel? Here are some pro tips:

• Update Your Default Profile: Go to File, then Options, then General, and set your name in the User Profile section. This ensures new files automatically carry your correct name.
• Use Document Inspector Regularly: Before sharing sensitive files, run the Document Inspector to remove any unwanted personal data.
• Standardize Naming Conventions: If you work in a team, agree on a standard format for author names to keep things consistent.
• Review Properties Before Sending: Always check the File Info panel before emailing a spreadsheet to a client or stakeholder.

These small habits make a big difference in keeping your files clean and professional.

Conclusion

Now you know how to change the author of an Excel spreadsheet using multiple methods. Whether you use the File Info panel, the Document Properties window, the Document Inspector, or XML editing, each method gives you full control over the author name in your files.

Remember to save your changes, double-check your work, and always keep a backup when trying advanced methods. With these skills, you can confidently manage the metadata of any Excel file that comes your way. Take a few minutes today to update your files and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with accurate, professional document properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the author name after saving and closing the file?

Yes, you can. Simply reopen the file, go to the File Info panel, and update the author field. The change applies immediately once you save the file again.

Will changing the author affect the tracked changes in the workbook?

It depends. Changing the file property updates the author tag, but tracked changes may still show the old name in the revision history. To fully update tracked changes, you may need to review and accept or reject each change.

Can I change the author on a Mac version of Excel?

Absolutely. The steps are very similar on Mac. Go to File, click on the file name at the top, and select Properties. From there, you can edit the author field just like on Windows.

Is it possible to hide the author name entirely from an Excel file?

Yes. You can use the Document Inspector to remove personal information, including the author name. You can also save the file as a new document, which sometimes strips certain metadata in the process.

Does changing the author update the name in shared workbooks?

Not always. In shared workbooks, the author is often linked to your Excel user profile. To update it there, go to File, Options, General, and change your user name in the User Profile section.

What is the difference between the author and the last modified by field?

The author field shows who originally created the file. The last modified by field shows who made the most recent edit. Both are stored in the file metadata and can be updated separately.