'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Check Out SharePoint Documents in a Web Browser
Question details
The user needs to know how to check out SharePoint documents directly from a web browser, particularly when working on Linux or using Office for the web.
- Product
- SharePoint / Office for the web
- Device & OS
- Linux / Web Browser
- Scenario
- Editing SharePoint documents online via shared links or within a web browser without using desktop Office applications.
- Observed behavior
- There is no direct 'Check Out' button inside the Office web document editor, requiring a different approach to check out and lock files for editing.
Ensure you have edit permissions for the SharePoint document library and that the file is not currently checked out by another user.
Check Out the File from the SharePoint Document Library
Since Office for the web does not have an in-editor checkout button, you must check out the file directly from the SharePoint library interface before opening it.
Currently, web-based Office applications do not provide a direct checkout command within the document editor itself. To prevent others from making conflicting changes, you must perform the checkout action from the file list.
Open your web browser and navigate to the specific SharePoint Document Library where your target file is stored. If you only have a direct link to the file, you will need to go up one level to view the containing folder.
Locate the document you want to edit. Right-click on the file name, or click the three vertical dots (Show actions) located next to the file.
Select 'More' from the dropdown menu, and then click 'Check Out'. A small arrow icon will appear over the file's icon, indicating that it is successfully checked out to you.
Click the file name to open it in your web browser. You can now edit the document safely without conflicting with other users.
Edit and Collaborate Seamlessly with WPS Office
If you are using Linux and struggling with the limitations of web-based document editors, consider trying WPS Office. It provides a native, highly compatible desktop experience for Linux, Windows, and macOS users without relying solely on browser interfaces.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package tailored for your operating system, including native Linux packages.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your Office documents directly. Enjoy a robust offline editing experience with seamless formatting retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no Check Out button inside Office for the web?
Microsoft has not implemented an in-editor checkout button for web-based Office applications. Users are currently required to manage file checkouts and check-ins directly within the SharePoint library interface before opening the file.
How do I know if a SharePoint document is already checked out?
In the SharePoint document library, a checked-out file will display a small arrow superimposed over the document's icon. Hovering your cursor over the icon will show you which user currently has the file checked out.
Can I check out files on Linux using desktop Office apps?
Since Microsoft Office desktop applications are not natively available on Linux, Linux users must rely on the web browser workaround to check out files from the SharePoint library before editing them online.
What happens if I forget to check a document back in?
If a document is left checked out, other users will only be able to view a read-only version of the file. They will not be able to see your recent changes or edit the document themselves until you check it back into the library.
