Excel spreadsheets often contain sensitive financial data, client lists, and proprietary information. Track when your spreadsheets are accessed with this guide.
Step 1: Generate the Pixel
1 Create Your Tracking Pixel
- Log in to Signal Canary
- Create a new document pixel
- Copy the Pixel URL
Step 2: Open Excel
2 Open Your Spreadsheet
Open the spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel (desktop version).
Step 3: Insert the Pixel
3 Add the Tracking Image
- Go to Insert tab
- Click Pictures
- Choose Online Pictures or From Web
- Paste the Pixel URL and insert the image
If inserting from URL doesn't work, download the tracking pixel image first, then insert it from your device.
Step 4: Make It Invisible
4 Hide the Pixel
- Click the inserted image to select it
- Resize it to the smallest possible size (1x1 pixels)
- Move it to an unused cell, preferably far from your data
- Optional: Hide the row or column containing the pixel:
- Right-click the row/column header
- Select Hide
Step 5: Save & Distribute
5 Share Your Spreadsheet
- Save the Excel file
- Share with your recipients
- Monitor access events in your Signal Canary dashboard
How Tracking Works in Excel
When the file is opened and external content is allowed:
- Excel loads the pixel image from the URL
- Signal Canary records the access event
- You see the event in your dashboard
Excel may prompt users with "Enable External Content" or display a security warning. The recipient must allow external content for tracking to work.
Best Practices for Excel Tracking
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Place pixel in an unused sheet | Less likely to be noticed or deleted |
| Hide the row/column | Makes the pixel completely invisible |
| Use cell far from data | Won't interfere with formulas or printing |
| Test before sending | Ensure tracking works with your version of Excel |
Consider creating a separate hidden worksheet for the tracking pixel. Name it something innocuous like "Metadata" or "Config".