What’s changing
We’re adding the option to lock Drive files by right-clicking the file, selecting “File information”, and clicking “Lock”. Locking a file makes sure reviewers can’t change a file. Edits, comments and suggestions can't be added to locked documents.
This update simplifies and streamlines the process of restricting files in Drive, which was previously only available through the Google Drive API or through file approvals.
Getting started
- Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
- End users:
- In order to lock a Drive file, you must have edit-access to the Drive file.
- When hovering over a file in Drive, right-click into the context menu and choose “File information” > “Lock”> confirm that you actually want to lock the document by selecting “Lock”.
- Once locked, no one can make edits to the Doc until it is unlocked.
- You can unlock a file through the context menu as well.
- Visit the Help Center to learn more about getting approvals on files in Google Drive.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 5, 2023
- Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on September 20, 2023
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers