Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 16, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Karen edits environmental reports and develops templates for them. She wonders if she can lock boilerplate text, only a few paragraphs, so that the user of the template cannot modify that text. Karen doesn't want to restrict writing or password protect the template; she just wants to lock particular paragraphs.
There are three ways you can approach this task. First, the absolute foolproof way to include the text is to simply take a picture of it using a screen-capture program and then include the picture in your document. Someone could obviously delete the image, but they cannot change text that is no longer text.
The second approach is to use one of the controls available through the Developer tab of the ribbon:
That's it. The text in the selected paragraphs cannot be edited. You can later edit the paragraphs, if you desire, by again selecting the paragraphs and then choosing to ungroup them. (That's an option available when you click the Group tool.)
The third approach is more traditional, and it should be used if you want to protect the text using a password. (That way you can, at a later point, unprotect the text so you can update it in some way.) Basically, what you do is to insert Continuous section breaks before and after the text you want to protect, and then use the tools provided in Word to protect just those sections of the document. The detailed instructions for this approach can be found in this WordTip.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13759) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Word uses usernames and initials to mark changes made while Track Changes is turned on. If you want to change those ...
Discover MoreWant a quick way to repeat a word or phrase you just typed? Here's the shortcut you need.
Discover MoreParagraphs are an elemental building block for documents. This tip explains the different ways you can select entire ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments