How to Lock Files for Editing in Google Drive to Prevent Unwanted Changes

Step1: Start by opening Google Drive in your browser at drive.google.com and navigating to the file you want to lock.
Right-click on the file or tap the three-dot menu at the top right corner of the file.


Step2: From the menu that appears, select “File information”, then choose “Lock”.

Step3: A confirmation message will pop up saying: “Lock the file? This will prevent anyone from editing or commenting. Editors can unlock the file.”

Click “Lock”, and the file will be locked.

Step4: A pop-up message will appear at the bottom left menu of your screen, confirming that the file has been locked.

Step5: If you lock a Google Doc, Slide, or Sheet, opening it will display a notification stating that the file is locked and no edits can be made unless an editor unlocks it.

Once locked, the file remains viewable and can still be shared, downloaded, or copied, but no one can make changes unless they have editor access to unlock it. This is a great way to prevent accidental edits, especially when working on important reports, contracts, or finalized documents.

Credit : https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-lock-files-for-editing-in-google-drive-to-prevent-unwanted-changes/