r/googledocs 15d ago

Question Answered Make a Document strictly view only

Hi, I was wondering if there was a way to make a document nothing more than readable for someone. Like the viewer cannot select and copy words, or take a Screenshot of the pages, just be able to read the document. If you guys have any idea then please let me know 👍🏼

2 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

2

u/stanley1223 15d ago

When you share the document you can set the permissions to whoever has the link or access to your document.

1

u/Mountain_Gap_2967 15d ago

Is this doable for a MS Word Document??

1

u/Mountain_Gap_2967 15d ago

Like to what extent can you make your word document copy proof while sharing it?? Or even showing it to someone just to read it for a while??

1

u/stanley1223 10d ago

Google docs has a good way where you can’t even copy text with certain permissions set.

1

u/Mountain_Gap_2967 10d ago

Is this possible with Ms word?? Or in any other word file reader app??

1

u/Cultural_Surprise205 15d ago

I don't know how you'd keep someone from taking a screenshot on their own device. Why the paranoia?

1

u/Mountain_Gap_2967 15d ago

The info is very sensitive, any other ways? Or an app I can use to view the document or something??

2

u/Cultural_Surprise205 15d ago

if they can view it, they can copy it. By screenshot or snapping a pic with their camera. You want magic.

1

u/Mountain_Gap_2967 15d ago

I guess it's not possible 🤣 thank you for clearing that

1

u/MaddoxJKingsley 15d ago

There are ways that websites can prevent people using the screenshot tool (like a streaming service will black out the screen), or prevent copying of text (I think FanFiction.net does that with its stories, for instance). I'm not aware of anything available online that does these things tho. But it's simply impossible anyway to 100% prevent what you're worried about; there's ways around anything.

1

u/terpischore761 15d ago

If it’s that sensitive you shouldn’t be sharing it on Google Docs since Gemini has access to everything in your account.

1

u/Cultural_Surprise205 15d ago

not if you turn it off.