Security is something that can be hacked. You have not told us if the templates are macro embedded which version of Excel you're using, etc.

I have includen several tricks I tried out just to testing and sometimes restricting them to a user, comapny name or even a mac address but all this is with macro embedded files.

If you really want to make the code unreadable you can protect the vba project with a password and more extreme you can look up a search of an obfuscation tool that will make it unreadable for anyone.

Also migrating to javascript is an option which I haven't grasped yet but is being used quite often now especailly in the 365 or 2021 environment 

Hope this gives you an idea where to look.

Firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for your help and guidance. Even though I am still relatively new to this, I am eager to settle in and make use of the valuable information you have provided. It seems that the workbooks I am working with are indeed macro embedded (or macro enabled, if I understood correctly), along with various Excel functions and dashboards. Currently, I am utilizing Excel 2013 and 2016 to create these workbooks, which serve the purpose of data capturing and analysis in different industrial fields. I truly value your feedback, and I am wholeheartedly committed to exploring how I can effectively apply it. Thank you so much for your support and insights.

Okay, it's clear and what goes for the Excel versions many things can be done but then again what do you see as safety measures?

User level access (if different users have access to different parts and are not allowed to edit everything? system restrictions? One PC only, One person only? Etc etc.

The simplest one to to hide the VBA project and make it password protected, this solves the issue that others cannot juts taka a look how you wrote it and what does what but this method is like others not fool-proof but enough for the 'regular' user.

If you're new at this, what do you mean? New at the protection part or in VBA programmnig? If it's VBA then you'll first have to master your skills so that you can support yourself and your clients since you plan to monetize them.

If you monetize your work and you're using someone else's code and procedures you will also have to include disclaimers, links to the source sites and make sure that the code module may be used freely.

You can get paid for the work and integration you put into it but you cannot claim the knowledge of the code used it it's clearly not your own.

Hi, I hope you're doing well. First of all, let me express my gratitude for this platform and your guidance. I am truly thankful, and may you be blessed abundantly.

Your teachings have been very clear, and I understand them well. I will always be grateful for the knowledge you share with me. As we previously discussed, my goal is to create workbooks that can generate some income for me. I will definitely try to implement the information you've given me, such as using passwords for added security.

To summarize, the workbooks I create are unique, and I do not use anyone else's code. What I do is study different workplaces and identify gaps where data capturing is needed. Then, I create templates that I believe will be useful in those fields. For example, I have created a data capturing workbook for farm management at our farm, and I've also created templates for teachers at my friend's school. People have shown interest in these workbooks for various fields.

However, the issue I have been facing is security. When I sell a workbook to person A, they can easily share it with person B or C, and eventually everyone has it for free. That's why I was wondering if there is a way to prevent this. I will try my best to implement the measures you provided to enhance the security of my workbooks. If I discover any additional solutions, I will gladly share them with you.

Regarding my earlier mention of being new, I was referring to my lack of experience in programming and finding solutions to the problem I'm facing. I don't have much knowledge in this area, but I am eager to learn and overcome these challenges. Additionally, I strongly believe that using someone else's code should only be done with their permission. Personally, I prefer not to take or use someone's code without proper authorization. However, in the future, I may be interested in collaborating with different individuals.

I truly appreciate your help and the time you have dedicated to assisting me. Your support means a lot to me. Thank you once again.

Okay, I understand.

Your buyer will be a single person and if some else uses the file it will not work. I understand.

If you send me a PM with your email I'll answer you for a follow-up

Cheers,

Hans