How do I restrict people from downloading a Google Doc I have shared?
In Google Docs you have the option to restrict Downloading, Printing & Copying in the sharing settings.
What is the benefit of this?
This is useful if you want users to be able to edit a document but you don't want them creating a copy of the document, or downloading it and printing it. It gives you more control over the documents you send.
How do I do this?
Step #1 - Click 'Share' in the top right of your Google Doc
In the top right of your Google Doc screen click the light blue 'Share' button.
![The image shows the toolbar of a Google Doce](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c0f83c_a2ca1cff0cb943f095ec78b7099e31e0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_372,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c0f83c_a2ca1cff0cb943f095ec78b7099e31e0~mv2.png)
![The blue share button in a Google Doc](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c0f83c_f616f00f7217405cba771ddff7cd55f4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_750,h_214,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/c0f83c_f616f00f7217405cba771ddff7cd55f4~mv2.png)
Step #2 - Open the further Share settings
Click on the settings cog in the top right of the share window.
![The share box in a Google Doc](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c0f83c_d96181a76f114e62b816f8c213502054~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_1040,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c0f83c_d96181a76f114e62b816f8c213502054~mv2.png)
Step #3 - Make it personal
Untick the box to disable the option for users to download, print or copy the doc.
![The advanced share settings box in a Google Doc](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c0f83c_567fcbadd3c047109e30ece108b86c3c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_351,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c0f83c_567fcbadd3c047109e30ece108b86c3c~mv2.png)
You can change these settings at any time, just follow the steps above.
For more Google Workspace tips click here!
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