What are read-only files and what are they used for?

Read-only files can be opened, but cannot be edited. They are typically used as templates for creating new files. Since read-only files cannot be modified, they often serve as a model or blueprint for creating several similar files.

Windows

To make a file "read-only" in Windows, first right-click the file, then select "Properties." Near the bottom of the Properties window is an "Attributes" section. Simply check the "Read-only" box (as shown below) and click Apply.

Once you have set the Read-only attribute of a file, you will not be able to overwrite it. While you will be able to open the file, you will only be able to save it with a different filename. Opening a read-only file is similar to using the "Open as a copy" function that some programs offer. However, unlike opening a read-only file, the "Open as a copy" function creates a copy of the file when it is opened rather than when it is saved.

Mac OS X

Mac users can also create read-only documents. To make a file "read-only" in Mac OS X, right-click (or Control-click) a file and select "Get Info." In the top section of the Info window is a "Stationery Pad" checkbox (see below). By checking this box, the file is essentially converted to a read-only template. Whenever a stationery pad is opened, a copy of the file is created.

Mac OS X stationery pads provide a useful means of creating several similar documents based off one standard document. However, stationery pads can be overwritten if a file with the same name is saved over the document. Therefore, it may be a good idea to store your stationery documents in a separate directory from where you save your edited documents.

To prevent important documents from being accidentally overwritten or deleted, you can check the "Locked" checkbox in the file's Info window (see above).