adding new tabs with the + sign

Dear @Sy Shaw | KHM,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your description, it sounds like you're facing the issue that when you press the plus button next to the sheet tabs does nothing. For better understand your situation, could you help us verify which version of Excel are you using? (web version or desktop app)

In the meantime, here are some suggestions you can try:

1) Check if the workbook structure is protected

Excel Desktop

1. Open the file, go to Review > Protect Workbook.
2. If it shows Protect Workbook (Structure) as pressed/on, the workbook’s tab structure is locked; the “+” button will not add sheets.
3. Click Protect Workbook, untick Structure, and enter the password (you’ll need this from the template owner/admin).

Note: You can’t change workbook protection from the web app. Download and open in Excel Desktop, then follow the steps above.

2) Verify you’re not in Read‑Only or Protected View

• Look at the title bar, if you see Read‑Only or a yellow ribbon Protected View, click Enable Editing.
• If the file came from SharePoint/OneDrive and you don’t have Edit permission, you’ll be stuck with a non‑functional “+”. Ask the owner to grant Edit access or Download a copy, then try adding a tab locally.

3) Try the alternate ways to insert a sheet

• Keyboard: press Shift + F11 (Insert Worksheet).
• Right‑click any tab > Insert… > Worksheet. If these also fail, it strongly points to Structure protection or macro code disallowing new sheets.

4) Permissions & location checks

• If the file is stored on SharePoint/OneDrive and is a shared organizational template, you may have View‑only or limited rights that prevent structural changes.
• Try File > Save As > Download a Copy (or Save a local copy), open it, and test adding a sheet. If it works locally, your cloud file permissions need updating.

I hope information above can help you resolve the issue, if you get stuck in any steps or have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.

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Morning, thank you for this information,

I use a web version as everyone that works for the company uses it daily for generating and create orders, quotes, invoices etc.

Are there different instructions or a way to tell you what version we use as when following some of the points, what i am looking for are not on it.

Thank you