How to Fix SharePoint Description Column Read-Only Issue
Question details
The user needs a way to edit document descriptions in a SharePoint library, as the default Description column cannot be modified.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing document properties in a SharePoint document library view or property pane.
- Observed behavior
- The built-in Description column appears in views but is read-only. It cannot be edited using 'Edit all' or through the property pane.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions (such as Edit or Design) to create and manage custom columns in your SharePoint document library.
Create a Custom Multiple Lines of Text Column
Since the built-in Description column is a system-generated field that cannot be edited, creating a custom column is the best workaround.
System-generated columns in SharePoint are often locked from manual editing to maintain system integrity. Creating a new custom column provides the same functionality while granting full editing capabilities to users.
Open your SharePoint site and navigate to the document library where you want to add editable descriptions to your files.
Scroll to the right side of your library column headers and click on '+ Add column'.
Choose 'Multiple lines of text' from the available column type options in the dropdown menu, then click 'Next'.
Enter a descriptive name such as 'Details' or 'Document Description' in the Name field, adjust any other preferred settings, and click 'Save'.
Select a document in the library, open the property pane (details pane on the right) or use 'Edit in grid view'. You will now be able to type and save text in your new custom description column.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some system-generated columns in SharePoint read-only?
System-generated columns, like the default Description or ID columns, are managed internally by SharePoint to track metadata and maintain database integrity. Modifying them could break underlying system processes, which is why manual editing is restricted.
How can I hide the default read-only Description column?
Click on the column header for 'Description', select 'Column settings', and choose 'Hide this column'. This removes it from the current view to reduce clutter without deleting any system data.
Can I use 'Edit in grid view' to modify my custom description column?
Yes, once you create a custom 'Multiple lines of text' column, you can click 'Edit in grid view' from the command bar to quickly add or modify descriptions for multiple documents at once.
Will creating a custom column affect existing documents?
No, creating a custom column simply adds a new metadata field to the library. Existing documents will have this field blank until you manually update them with a new description.
