Forum Discussion
Restrict Editing, Shapes & Draw
I want to restrict the editing of a template for a Word document so that other users can only fill in predefined spaces later on the tablet.
This works so far, as long as it is only text fields. But there are also spaces where users have to "draw" inside a special "shape" form. This does not work correctly under "Restrict Editing". It can also be drawn outside the shape. How can I fix this, so another users can only draw inside that shape?
Hi Chris125,
To restrict editing to predefined spaces in a Word document template, including shapes and drawing areas, you can use the following steps:
- Create the template document with all of the desired formatting and content, including the shapes and drawing areas.
- Select the shapes and drawing areas that you want to restrict editing.
- Right-click and select Group.
- Click the Review tab and select Restrict Editing.
- In the Editing restrictions area, select the Allow only this type of editing in the document check box.
- In the list of editing restrictions, select Filling in forms.
- Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and enter a password to protect the document.
Once the document is protected, users will only be able to edit the shapes and drawing areas by filling in the form fields. They will not be able to move, resize, or delete the shapes or drawing areas, or draw outside of them.
Here is a reference link to the Microsoft Support article on restricting editing in Word documents:
How to protect a document and mark the parts that can be changed: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/allow-changes-to-parts-of-a-protected-document-187ed01c-8795-43e1-9fd0-c9fca419dadf
Please note that this solution will only work if the users are using a tablet that supports filling in forms in Word. If the users are not using a tablet, or if the tablet does not support filling in forms in Word, they will not be able to edit the shapes and drawing areas at all.
Please click Mark as Best Response & Like if my post helped you to solve your issue.
This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item.If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.
Kindest regards,
Leon Pavesic
Hi Chris125,
To restrict editing to predefined spaces in a Word document template, including shapes and drawing areas, you can use the following steps:
- Create the template document with all of the desired formatting and content, including the shapes and drawing areas.
- Select the shapes and drawing areas that you want to restrict editing.
- Right-click and select Group.
- Click the Review tab and select Restrict Editing.
- In the Editing restrictions area, select the Allow only this type of editing in the document check box.
- In the list of editing restrictions, select Filling in forms.
- Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and enter a password to protect the document.
Once the document is protected, users will only be able to edit the shapes and drawing areas by filling in the form fields. They will not be able to move, resize, or delete the shapes or drawing areas, or draw outside of them.
Here is a reference link to the Microsoft Support article on restricting editing in Word documents:
How to protect a document and mark the parts that can be changed: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/allow-changes-to-parts-of-a-protected-document-187ed01c-8795-43e1-9fd0-c9fca419dadf
Please note that this solution will only work if the users are using a tablet that supports filling in forms in Word. If the users are not using a tablet, or if the tablet does not support filling in forms in Word, they will not be able to edit the shapes and drawing areas at all.
Please click Mark as Best Response & Like if my post helped you to solve your issue.
This will help others to find the correct solution easily. It also closes the item.If the post was useful in other ways, please consider giving it Like.
Kindest regards,
Leon Pavesic
