If you want to restrict the readers from doing any type of editing in a Word document then there is a special feature included in Word 2010 and 2007, which allows users to restrict other readers from document editing and formatting.
The restrict editing feature is available in Word and Excel. In the following we are writing the method that how to apply Restrict Editing in Word 2010 and Word 2007 after a jump.

See also how to password protect Word document
Restrict Editing in Word 2010

Step 1

Go to “File” tab then click on “Info” > “Protect Document” button under “Permissions” and there select the option “Restrict Document”

Step 2

The following “Restrict Formatting and Editing” window will appear

First available option is “Formatting Restrictions, so mark the check box followed by “Limit formatting to selection of styles”and click on settings

Following “Formatting Restrictions” window will open where you can select different options according to your requirement and click “OK” button when finish

Step 3

Now, have a look on the second option “Editing Restrictions”, so check mark the box followed by “Allow only this type of editing in the document”. From the list box select any option according to your requirement as we selected “No changes (Read only)”

Step 4

Now, if you want to give the right to readers to edit some sections of document then first select that section of document so click on the starting point and by pressing left button of mouse drag to the end point. Now, mark the check box followed by “Everyone” on “Restrict Formatting and Editing” window

Now click on “Yes, Start Enforcing Protection” button to make the change effective, it will ask for Password to protect the document so “Enter new password” and “Reenter password to confirm” and click OK”


Close following window. Now “Restrict Formatting and Editing” is enabled for the document

Now you will observe that selected text which is allowed for editing is highlighted in document. So the readers can only modify that section of document and could also save that. Otherwise the above window will display if a reader try to edit any other portion of the document.
Disable Restrict Editing in Word 2010

Step 1

Simply open your document which is enabled with “Restrict Editing”. Click on “File” tab > “Info” > “Protect Document” button under “Permissions” and then select “Restrict Document”

The following screen will display so click on “Stop Protection” button at the bottom

It will ask for password, so enter password which was set before and click “OK”

Step 2

Here deselect all the check boxes

It will prompt the following window so click on “Yes” button and that is all

Enable Restrict Edit in Word 2007

Step 1

Open your document in Word 2007 then click on “Review” tab > “Protect Document” > “Restrict Formatting and Editing” option

Step 2

The following “Restrict Formatting and Editing” window will appear besides your document

Now follow the steps written above from Step 2 to onward for Word 2010, as the feature of “Restrict Formatting and Editing” is similar in both versions of Word