The answer is in your subject.

You would need to share the workbook.
Tools-Share Workbook.

Keep in mind that there will be limited features when the workbook is
shared. See help for details. (Thanks Gord.)

HTH,
Paul


"Hedderz" wrote in message
...
We have a few spreadsheets that are kept on a network drive for all users
to
use. Obviously if someone is already using the file then the rest of us
can
only access the file as read only. Is there any way for the spreadsheet to
freed up for the rest of us after a period of say 20 minutes inactivity.

Thanks

Justin