Lock file from being read by more than one user at a time

[Tormod Solem Slupphaug]

Note: I'm fully aware that this request might not make much sense, but...

Is it possible to lock a certain document library (or individual files for that matter) from being opened and read by more than one user simultanously?

In my case, it's pdf files. I'm basically looking for a way of checking-out and locking a file reading. If the pdf is opened already by someone; the next person trying to open it should preferably get a warning along the lines of "Sorry, this document is already being read by John Doe, and needs to be closed before you can read it."

[#2 · Accepted solution]

Not possible out of box. You can check out for editing but not reading.

However. Just thinking out loud you could Probably craft a power automate flow to handle this. You would have to somehow get limited access for view files in directory and have a flow for granting access for x amount of time. Or two flows for check out and check in. And you have the flow only run and allow for an individual one at a time. So it could be done. But not out of box.

[#3]

"Or two flows for check out and check in".

But would that, simply checking out a pdf, prevent others from reading it?

[#4]

I meant a flow called that. You could name it whatever but it wouldn’t be a “check out”. The flow would be granting access to the file when the flow runs. Then after a period or time revoke that or have them check in flow to remove that permission.

[#5]

I see :) Not sure if I got the experience needed to get something like this up and running, but thanks a lot for your replies :)