Permission & Access Issues

How to Make DWG or RVT Files View-Only in SharePoint

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to restrict edit access to DWG and RVT files in SharePoint, ensuring selected users can only view the documents without altering the original copies.

How to Make DWG or RVT Files View-Only in SharePoint

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing CAD and Revit files with team members or clients while protecting the source files from unauthorized modifications.
Observed behavior: Users require a configuration state where DWG and RVT files are accessible for viewing but locked against editing or accidental overwrites in the SharePoint library.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions for the SharePoint document library where the DWG or RVT files are stored, as these rights are necessary to modify access settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Assign Unique View-Only Permissions in SharePoint

Stop inheriting permissions from the parent site to apply custom, read-only access for specific users or groups on the desired files.

By default, files and folders in SharePoint inherit permissions from the parent site. To restrict access to a specific DWG or RVT file, you must break this inheritance and assign unique permissions.

Access the Manage Access Panel

Navigate to your SharePoint document library, hover over the DWG or RVT file (or folder), click the three-dot menu icon (Show actions), and select 'Manage access'.

Stop Inheriting Permissions

Click on 'Advanced' located at the bottom right of the Manage Access panel. In the ribbon on the new page, click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions' and confirm the prompt to break the inheritance.

Modify User Permissions

Select the checkboxes next to the users or groups whose permissions you want to restrict. Click 'Edit User Permissions' on the ribbon.

Apply Read-Only Access

Uncheck the 'Edit' or 'Contribute' permission levels, check the 'Read' permission level, and click 'OK' to save your changes.

Assign Unique View-Only Permissions in SharePoint

Downloaded Copies: These settings restrict editing within SharePoint itself. If users download the DWG/RVT files, they can edit their local copies in CAD software, but they cannot save those changes back to the SharePoint library.

Solution 2

Share Files Using View-Only Links

An easier method for sharing files with specific individuals without altering backend library permissions.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage and Share Documents Securely with WPS Office

While SharePoint handles backend DWG and RVT permissions, WPS Office is the perfect free, lightweight alternative for managing your standard office documents and creating secure PDFs. Easily edit, protect, and share files with robust permission controls and seamless Microsoft Office format compatibility.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device in minutes.
2. Open Your Documents: Easily open your existing Microsoft Office files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) without losing any formatting or data.
3. Export to Secure PDF: Use the built-in PDF converter to turn your sensitive documents into view-only PDF files for secure distribution.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats.Built-in PDF tools to convert documents into secure, non-editable PDFs for safe sharing.Lightweight design for fast document loading and smooth performance.Free and intuitive interface for seamless user migration and immediate productivity.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can users edit the DWG file if they download it from SharePoint?

Yes, if a user downloads a DWG or RVT file, they can open and edit it in their local software (like AutoCAD or Revit). However, because they only have 'Read' permissions in SharePoint, they will not be able to upload, save, or overwrite the original file in the document library.

How can I completely prevent users from downloading DWG or RVT files?

When creating a sharing link in SharePoint, you can uncheck 'Allow editing' and toggle on 'Block download'. Please note that this feature relies on the file being viewable in the browser; if SharePoint cannot render the specific CAD format natively online, blocking downloads might prevent users from accessing the file altogether.

Does stopping permission inheritance affect other files in the same SharePoint folder?

It depends on where you apply the change. If you break inheritance at the folder level, all files inside it will adopt the new settings. If you do it at the specific file level, only that DWG or RVT file will have the new unique permissions, while other files will continue inheriting permissions from the parent folder.

Document & File Issues