How to Make a Document Read-only in LibreOffice

This tutorial explains you how to make a document read-only in LibreOffice.

Why You Might Need Read-Only Documents

Making a document read-only ensures that its content cannot be changed without the permission of the author or owner. This protection comes in handy when you want to share a document with others in a collaborative environment, but don’t want them to edit or modify the original content. By making the document read-only, you allow others to view, reference, and print the document without the risk of making unwanted changes to it.

How to Make a Document Read Only

There are mainly two methods to make a document read-only in LibreOffice, which prevent others from editing its original content. These methods are applicable to all types of documents created in Writer, Calc, Impress, etc.

Adding Read-only From the File Properties

The easiest way to add read-only protection to your document is through the file properties, but this is not a secure method. Others can still edit the content of the document either by manually removing the read-only state from the file properties or by clicking the Edit Document button displayed in the read-only banner in LibreOffice.

To make a document read-only using file properties, follow these steps:

• Locate the folder where your document file is stored.

• Right-click the file and select Properties from the context menu.

• Go to the General tab and check the Read-only box at the bottom.
• Click Apply and then OK.

Adding Read-only From the Document Properties

LibreOffice’s built-in document properties provide greater control over read-only restrictions on a document. You can choose to apply a standard read-only restriction with or without a password.

If you want to completely restrict all editing on the document, using a password to lock the read-only restriction might be a good option. This way, others will not be able to unlock the read-only mode, and will require the password you have set for protection.

To make a document read-only using document properties, follow these steps:

• Go to File > Properties in the top menu bar.

• If you have the Tabbed UI enabled, navigate to the File tab and click Properties.

• Once the properties window opens, go to the Security tab and check the Open file read-only box.

• If you want to add a password for additional protection, click the Protect button, add a password, and click OK.

Wrapping Up

I hope this tutorial was helpful. If you have trouble understanding any of the steps mentioned above, please let me know by leaving a comment below.