Sign in with Microsoft
Sign in or create an account.
Hello,
Select a different account.
You have multiple accounts
Choose the account you want to sign in with.

If you don't want content reviewers to accidentally modify your document, you can make the document read only before sending it for review. Another method is to restrict formatting and editing.

Making your document a read-only file means that the document can be read or copied but not modified. If one of the reviewers tries to make changes to a read-only file, the changes can be saved only by giving the document a new name or saved to a new location.

Note: Making your document read only doesn't prevent someone from making a new copy of the document and saving it with a different name or in a different place.

Restrict editing

You can restrict the editing of a document, so that the document opens in view-only mode.

  1. Select File > Info.

  2. Select Protect Document.

Protect document

Change the viewing mode 

You can switch from View only to other modes granted by the document owner (Editing, Reviewing).

  1. Select the Viewing tab to open the options.

  2. Select Editing or Reviewing.

Note: The only options that can be selected are the one(s) that the document owner has granted.

Viewing options

Restrict editing

  1. Click Review > Restrict Editing.

    Restrict Editing command on the Review tab

  2. Under Editing restrictions, check Allow only this type of editing in the document, and make sure the list says No changes (Read only).

    Restrict Editing pane

  3. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.

    Restrict Editing pane

  4. In the box that opens, type a password you’ll be able to remember, and then type the password again to confirm it.

    The password’s optional. But if you don’t add a password, anyone can click Stop Protection and edit the document.

Set to ‘Always open as Read-Only’ 

1. Select File > Info > Protect Document.

Protect document

2. Select Always open Read-Only.

Always open read only

Open a document shared as read only 

When you open a document that is shared as Read Only, you have two options. 

To open the document as read only

Select Yes

To open the document in editing mode

Select No

Read only options

Note: You can close and reopen the document or save a copy of the document to open in edit mode.  

Restrict Editing 

  1. Click Review > ProtectRestrict Editing

    Restrict editing

  2. Under Editing restrictions, select Allow only this type of editing in the document, and make sure the list says No changes (Read only). 

    Restrict edit Allow only

  3. Select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection

    Start enforcement

  4. In the box that opens, type a password you’ll be able to remember, and then type the password again to confirm it. The password is optional. But if you don’t add a password, anyone can select Stop Protection and edit the document. 

    Protection password

See also

Add or remove protection in your document, workbook, or presentation

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Was this information helpful?

What affected your experience?
By pressing submit, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Your IT admin will be able to collect this data. Privacy Statement.

Thank you for your feedback!

×