To restrict editing in Word 2013, open Review > Restrict Editing. In the pane, tick Allow only this type of editing in the document, choose No changes (Read only), Tracked changes, Comments or Filling in forms, then click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and optionally set a password. The same steps work in newer versions of Word. Restrict Editing prevents accidental changes but isn’t strong security; use File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password to stop people opening the file. Office 2013 reached end of support on April 11, 2023.
Quick Answer
Review > Restrict Editing > Allow only this type of editing > choose a level > Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
Steps to Restrict Editing
- Open the document and click Review > Restrict Editing.
- Under Editing restrictions, tick the box and choose the type of editing to allow.
- Optionally select parts of the document and tick Everyone under Exceptions to leave them editable.
- Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
- Enter a password (optional) and click OK, then save.
Editing Levels
| Option | What others can do |
|---|---|
| No changes (Read only) | Read, plus edit any exception areas |
| Tracked changes | Edit, with every change tracked |
| Comments | Add comments only |
| Filling in forms | Fill in form fields only |
Troubleshooting
- Need to edit it yourself: Click Stop Protection in the pane and enter the password; see removing Restrict Editing.
- Protect only some text: See locking text in Word.
- Protect images: See locking an image in Word.
Related: How to check file permissions in Word.
Related: How to unlock editing in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the password secure?
It stops casual edits but isn’t encryption. Use Encrypt with Password for confidential files.
Does protection survive PDF export?
No. Set PDF permissions separately if you need them.
Can I lock formatting only?
Yes. Use Formatting restrictions to limit styles while allowing text edits.
Summary
- Review > Restrict Editing.
- Choose the editing level.
- Add exceptions if needed.
- Start enforcing, with a password if you like.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.