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Using the Finance Planner for Creatives Outside of Google Sheets
This Finance Planner for Creatives was built exclusively for use with Google Sheets and is not compatible with Microsoft Excel, Numbers, or other spreadsheet software.
⚠️ Why It Doesn’t Work in Other Programs
Many of the planner’s features rely on:
Google Sheets–specific functions and formulas
Interactive elements like dropdowns, charts, and protected cell behavior
Real-time syncing across sheets for summaries, goals, and insights
These features often break or disappear when the file is opened in:
Microsoft Excel
Apple Numbers
OpenOffice
Other non-Google spreadsheet tools
✅ How to Use the Planner Correctly:
Open the file in Google Sheets (not in preview or read-only mode)
Make sure you're signed into your Google account
Make your own copy to begin editing - See more on Getting Started with your planner
📝 TIP: You can still export or print sheets as PDFs if someone (like an accountant) needs a copy but doesn’t use Google Sheets. See how →
👀If your collaborator doesn’t use Google Sheets and only needs to view (not edit), you can:
Click Share (top-right corner)
At the bottom, click "Anyone with the link"
Set the access to Viewer (or Commenter if desired)
Copy the link and share
➡️ This is great for sharing a read-only version with clients, accountants, or collaborators who don’t use Google and don’t need editing permissions.
