On December 4, 2025 Proton expanded its privacy-focused ecosystem with the launch of Proton Sheets, an end-to-end encrypted spreadsheet tool designed to let users create sheets while keeping their data encrypted and private.
Proton is a Swiss-based company that is already well-known in privacy circles for apps like Proton Mail and Proton VPN, which have become go-to choices for users who prioritize privacy and anonymity online.
The addition of Proton Sheets introduces many new possibilities, including some that are unique and set it apart from other mainstream alternatives.
This article will go over five things that you can do with Proton Sheets that you might not have considered before. This article is not sponsored, it is just our take on this new online tool.
1. Share password protected sheets
As with any file in Proton Drive, users can protect their sheets with a password before sending them to others. With password protection enabled, recipients will be prompted to enter a password before they can view the spreadsheet. This ensures that even if the link falls into the wrong hands, the information in the sheet remains secure.
Keep in mind that in order for the intended recipient to view the sheet, you’ll have to tell them the password to the file. Proton suggests that users send the password to the recipient “using a secure communication channel” or by telling them in person.
To enable password protection, click the “Share” button, enable “Create public link,” then click on the settings icon and enable “Set link password.”
2. Allow anonymous editing
When generating a public link to a sheet, users are asked to choose whether those with the link can edit or just view the sheet. If editing is enabled, recipients can make changes to the sheet even if they don’t have a Proton account.
This is useful for collaborating with people who don’t use Proton, as they can still contribute to the sheet without needing to sign up for an account. To use this feature, simply use the share function and make sure that those with the link have editing access.
3. Create charts
Just like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, Proton Sheets lets you generate charts based on your data. This is useful for visualizing patterns and trends in your spreadsheets. As of the time of writing this article, there are nine types of charts you can choose from.
To create a chart, simply select your data, click the three dots on the top right corner, and click “Insert chart.”
4. Cell formulas
Proton Sheets supports formulas, which allows you to automate calculations and other processes in your sheet. This can save you a lot of time when working with large datasets or projects that require calculations. The formulas are no different from those used in other spreadsheet applications, meaning you won’t have to learn anything new in order to use them in Proton Sheets. To use formulas, simply type “=” in a cell.
5. Dropdown menus
If you ever want to use sheets to keep track of inventory, tasks, or anything else that involves selecting from predefined options, dropdown menus can be very useful.
In Proton Sheets, you can create dropdown menus that allow you to populate cells with predefined values. This can make your sheets more structured, easier to read, and easier to fill out if you’re sharing them with others.
To create a dropdown menu, select the cell or cells where you want the menu to appear, click “insert,” and select “Dropdown.”
Proton Sheets is still a new program, but it already packs many of the most useful features you’d expect from a spreadsheet tool. Even now it stands as a strong contender against other mainstream alternatives. We hope this article helps you get a better grasp of some of the things you can do with Proton Sheets.
