Saving Protected Word & PowerPoint Files

Introduction

Many people rely on PDFs to secure documents and prevent unwanted edits. Because PDFs are difficult to make accessible, it's recommended to instead secure the original Word or PowerPoint file. This is a reliable way to accomplish the security functionality PDFs provide, while preserving accessibility features native to Word and PowerPoint. 

Protecting Word Documents

1. With a Word document open, click File at the top-left of the screen.
2. Select Info from the menu.
3. Click Protect Document and choose Restrict Editing. 
4. The Restrict Editing menu will open on the right of the page. Check the box under 2. Allow only this type of editing in the document.
5. In the dropdown, select No changes (Read only). 
6. Under 3. Start enforcement, click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection. 
7. Enter a password to fully restrict editing. 
   • Note: the password is optional, but without it, protection can be ended by those who have downloaded the document. 

Protecting PowerPoint Files

1. With a PowerPoint file open, click File.
2. Select Info from the menu.
3. Click Protect Presentation and choose Always Open Read-Only. 
4. Click Save As.
5. Click Browse to open the "Save As File" menu. 
6. Click Tools and choose General Options next to the "Save" button. 
7. Enter a password in the "Password to modify" box. Leave the "Password to open" box blank! This would prevent users from viewing the file. 
8. Click OK then save the file.