Permission & Access Issues

How to Configure SharePoint Hero Web Part Document Permissions

Elise Williams Oct 16, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to understand how permissions work for documents linked via the SharePoint Hero Web Part and how to restrict visitors to read-only access.

How to Configure Document Permissions for SharePoint Hero Web Part Links

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A user is displaying document links using the SharePoint Hero Web Part and wants to ensure that site visitors cannot edit the linked files.
Observed behavior: The Hero web part does not have its own permission boundary; users inherit access based on the permissions assigned to the target document library or individual file, which may inadvertently allow editing.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions on the SharePoint site to modify document library and file access settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Permissions Directly on the Linked Document Library

Since the Hero web part relies on the source file's permissions, you must manage access at the document library or file level to restrict users to read-only access.

The SharePoint Hero web part serves as a visual shortcut to your content and does not enforce its own security settings. Any access control is strictly handled by the document library where the file resides. By adjusting the library or individual file permissions, you can control whether users can edit or only view the documents when they click the Hero web part link.

Access Document Library Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint site and open the document library that stores the files linked in your Hero web part. Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner, select 'Library settings', and then click 'More library settings'.

Open Permissions Management

Under the 'Permissions and Management' section on the settings page, click the 'Permissions for this document library' link.

Stop Inheriting Permissions (If Required)

If your library inherits permissions from the parent site, click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions' in the top ribbon. This allows you to apply unique permission levels specifically for this library without affecting the rest of the site.

Grant Read-Only Access

Select the checkboxes next to the relevant visitors or groups. Click 'Edit User Permissions' in the ribbon. Check the 'Read' permission level and uncheck 'Edit' or 'Contribute'. Click 'OK' to save your changes.

Configure Permissions Directly on the Linked Document Library

Managing Individual File Permissions: If you only want to restrict specific files rather than the entire library, you can navigate directly to the file, click the vertical ellipsis (three dots), select 'Manage Access', and adjust the permissions for that specific document.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set unique permissions directly on a Hero Web Part?

No, the Hero Web Part itself does not have a permission boundary. It only acts as a visual shortcut. Access permissions must be managed at the document, folder, or library level where the linked file is stored.

Why can users edit a document I linked for viewing only?

If users can edit the document, they likely have 'Edit' or 'Contribute' permissions on the target document library or the SharePoint site itself. You must modify the library or file permissions to restrict them to 'Read' access.

How do I share a specific document as read-only without changing the entire library's permissions?

You can manage access for individual files. Select the file in your document library, click the three dots, choose 'Manage Access', and change the specific user or group permissions to 'Can view' instead of 'Can edit'.

Document & File Issues