How to Lock Parts of a Microsoft Word Document

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Method 1: Using Restrict Editing Feature

As the name suggests, this feature lets you set up editing restrictions for yourWord document. You can also use the Exceptions field by ticking the box beside everyone or selecting More users to input the addresses of individuals who can edit select parts of the document.

Step 1:Open theWord documentwhere you want to lock the parts.

Step 2:On the Ribbon, click on theReviewtab and click on the drop-down beneath theProtectoption.

Step 3: Click onRestrict Editingfrom the drop-down menu. The new Restrict Editing window should open to the right of your document.

Step 4:Under the Editing restrictions field, tick the box forAllow only this type of editingin the document.

Step 5:SelectNo changes (Read only)from the drop-down.

Step 6:Place yourcursoron the Word document and select thesectionsother users can edit.

Tip:To select different parts of a Word document, hold down theCtrl key.

Step 7:Back on the Restrict Editing window, tick the box besideeveryoneorselect More usersunder theExceptionsfield.This will input the addresses of individuals who can edit select parts of the document.

Step 8: Under the Start enforcement field, clickYes, Start Enforcing Protection.

Step 9: In the Start Enforcing Protection dialog box, select between using aPasswordandUser authenticationto restrict access to the Word document.

Step 10:If you select thePassword option, input your desired password. If you select theUser authentication option, individual users in theMore users exceptionsfield can edit the document.

Step 11:ClickOkto save your selection.

Step 12:Savethe document. After this, Word will lock the sections that you chose to protect.

Method 2: Using Content Control in the Developer Tab

This tab gives you content developer properties to add control over what can or cannot be deleted from your Word document.

Step 1:Open theWord documentand place your cursor on the document toselect the sectionyou would like to restrict access to.

Unlike the first method, you cannot select multiple sections of the Word document to restrict edit access.

Step 2:On the Ribbon, click on theDeveloper tab>Rich Text Content Control.

Step 3: In theDeveloper tab, click onProperties.

Step 4: On the launched Content Control Properties dialog box,namethe content control.

Step 5:Check the box for theContent control cannot be deletedandContents cannot be editedoptions, and click onOk.

Step 6: In the Developer tab, click onRestrict Editingto launch the Restrict Editing pane.

Step 7: Now, check the box forLimit formattingto a selection of styles.

Step 8:Check the box forYes, Start Enforcing Protection.

Step 9: In the Start Enforcing Protection dialog box, select between using aPasswordandUser authenticationto restrict access to the Word document.

Step 10:If you selectPassword, input your desired password. If you selectUser authentication, individual users listed on theMore users exceptionsfield will be validated before they can edit the document.

Step 11:ClickOkto save your selection.

Step 12:Savethe document. After this, Word will lock the sections you choose to protect from others.

Tip:Learn how tocreate or edit custom properties for Microsoft Word files

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Last updated on 10 June, 2024

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