Who is this article for?

Users unsure how to check out or edit documents in the Web client.

Document module access is required.

Checking out a document in the Web client differs from the Windows client due to standard web browser security restrictions.

This article explains why documents in Web may appear as Read-Only and provides the correct workflow for checking them back in.

1. Checking out documents

When clicking Check Out in the Web client, the document may download to a temporary folder and open as Protected View (Read-Only).

Unlike the Windows client, the Web client does not automatically save changes back to the system when you save the file in Microsoft Office.

To edit a document, you must first unblock the checked out document before updating it and checking it back in.

2. Unblocking documents

Windows often blocks files downloaded from the internet to protect your computer.

To unblock the document:

1. Locate the file in your Downloads or Temp folder.
2. Right-click the file and select Properties.
3. Scroll down to Security (in the General tab).
4. Tick the Unblock box.
5. Click Apply.
6. Click OK.
7. Make necessary changes.
8. Click Save.

Your document is now ready to be checked back into the system.

3. Checking in documents

Because the Web client cannot "watch" your local folders for changes, you must manually upload the revised file.

To check in the file:

1. Go to the Document module.
2. Click Check In.
3. Upload the edited file.

The seamless experience where Word automatically updates the system is only supported in the Windows client, as browsers restrict websites from accessing specific system folders for security reasons.

Further reading

• Revising a document
• Configuring document security options
• Capability comparison between the Web and Windows clients