How to edit a file in Teams

Imagine you need to work in the same file together with other team members.
You can simply send this file via email, and everyone to work the inputs offline and consolidate all the inputs at the end. This does not seem very efficient.

On the other hand, you can the same file in a Teams chat, and allow everyone to edit the content simultaneously. If you don’t know how I show you in this post how to edit a File in Teams.

How to edit a file in Teams

If you are often cooperating with other team members and all of you need to work on the same file and the same time, this post is for you.

You may wonder, okay sounds good. But what are the benefits of making a file editable in Teams, let’s see it below.

Why make a file editable directly in Teams

If you have landed on this post, probably you know what Teams is about.

In case you are not aware of what Teams are about, Teams is a collaboration platform owned by Microsoft that allows you to connect with other team members (inside and outside of your organization – depending on the settings) no matter their locations or departments.

One of the most interesting features of Teams compared to old similar tools (for example Skype),
it is that Teams allows you and your colleagues to edit the same file and the same time make the latest version of the file always available for everyone.

Let me summarize for you the three main benefits of editing files directly in Teams:

Communication:
Team members can work together in real-time in the same file, allowing them to share ideas, and make decisions altogether. Imagine one centralized location and everyone working on it.

Efficiency:
Forget about those email chains sharing the latest version of the file. No more back-and-forth email chains. While working directly in the file in Teams you ensure that everyone is working from the latest version of the document.

Feedback:
You will be able to drop feedback on the way, making communication more fluent between all the people working directly on the document.

Now that you know a few reasons why you may want to edit files directly in Teams,
let’s see step by step how to do it.

Step by step on how to make a file editable directly in Teams

Open a Microsoft Teams chat with the people you want to work on the file.

Click on the Attach files icon

Click on Upload from my computer

Select the file

Click on the arrow on the bottom right side

You will be able to modify the settings

Under More settings change it from Can view to Can edit and click Apply

Send the message

And that would be, following these simple steps you will be able to edit a File in Teams

You cannot edit the File in Teams? – this is for you!

If you are trying to edit the File in Teams, and you are not able. Most likely the issue is related to the setting that you have on the file.

Make sure that on setting instead of Can view, you have Can edit.

As per below:

If you don’t know how to access the settings view of the file is it very simple.

Click on attach file icon > Upload file from my computer > Click on the arrow on the bottom right side > Change from Can view to Can edit under More Setting > Click apply > Send the file.

Following these simple steps, you will be enabling the editing functionality in your file.

How to make an Excel file editable in Teams

No matter if it is an Excel document, a Word or a PowerPoint, the steps for making a file editable in teams are the same. You can make any file editable in Teams following these simple steps: Click on attach file icon > Upload file from my computer > Click on the arrow on the bottom right side > Change from Can view to Can edit under More Setting > Click apply > Send the file

How to give permission to edit files in Teams

Microsoft Teams allows you to give permission to different people depending on your needs, you can give access to:

  • Anyone
  • People in your organization
  • People currently in this chat
  • People with existing access
  • People you choose

You can access the setting functionality of any file in Teams by following this simple path: Click on attach file icon > Upload file from my computer > Click on the arrow on the bottom right side.

After clicking on the arrow on the bottom right side, you will be able to give permission to your file based on your individual needs:

If you enjoy cooperation with your colleagues, you may want to learn how to say thank you to your colleagues at work.

FAQ how to edit a file in teams

Some of the most asked questions regarding making a file editable in Teams.

Why edit a file in Teams?

There are many reasons why you may want to make a file editable in Teams. To name a few: better collaboration between team members, more efficiency and greater control over the content that is being worked on in the file

Why are the Teams file read-only?

By default, many organizations are having a read-only set up. If you want to make the file editable for everyone. Upload the file into the chat and before clicking send, click on the arrow on the bottom right side and in the settings change from can view to can edit. This way the file will be editable for everyone in the chat.

How do I change a read-only file in Teams to edit?

Making a file editable, in Teams, is very simple. You only need to upload the file into the chat using the attached file icon and not click send yet. Prior to clicking send next to People in your organization with the link can view, there is an arrow. By clicking on that arrow, you can change from an edit to can view. Apply the changes and click send. Your file will be editable for everyone.

To whom can I give permission to edit a file in Teams?

You can give permission to edit a file in Team based on your different needs. Microsoft offers the possibility to give permission to Anyone, People in your organization, people currently in this chat People with existing access and People you choose. It is up to you to manage to whom you are giving access to your file

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