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In Mac OS, you can lock a file in order to make it read-only and prevent it from being accidentally deleted.

Lock a document to make it read-only

Note: If your document is shared, anyone who has Write privileges can clear the read-only status. For stronger protection, require a password to save changes.

  1. Open the Finder and select the document you want to protect.

  2. On the Action pop-up menu  Action pop-up menu, click Get Info.

  3. Under General, select the Locked check box.

Clear the read-only status of a document

Note: You must be the owner of the file, or have Write privileges, in order to clear read-only status.

  1. Open the Finder and select the document you no longer want to be read-only.

  2. On the Action pop-up menu  Action pop-up menu, click Get Info.

  3. Under General, clear the Locked check box.

See also

Protect a document with a password

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