Content locking

Content locking allows content editors to lock a document for editing, so that other editors cannot modify the document at the same time.

Content locking is based on the check-in/check-out principle. The following is an example of operations in the document life cycle when content locking is used:

1. A user creates a new document and saves it. The system automatically checks it out (locks it), so that other users cannot edit it.
2. The user finishes the changes, checks in the document and submits it for approval.
3. A reviewer checks out the document and makes changes, then checks it in and approves it.

Enabling content locking

You can enable content locking for versioned documents at two levels:

• Globally
• For a particular workflow

To enable content locking globally for all sites or a particular site, navigate to Settings -> Content -> Content management and turn on the Use check-in/check-out setting.

To enable content locking for a particular workflow, edit it and configure the Use check-in/check-out property.

Checking documents in and out

To check out documents when editing them, use the Check out button. When you check out a document, you can then check it in with the Check in button.

To discard the changes you made while the document was checked out, click Undo check-out. The document will revert back to the latest version before the check-out.

Changing version numbers and commenting on versions

You can use the Check in/Check out/Undo check-out buttons on the Properties -> Versions page. This page enables you to specify custom version numbers and comments for each version when you check in the document.