Editing as an External User

If you have received a share link with edit permissions, you can make changes directly in OfficeDocs without needing a full internal account. Your access depends on the permission level assigned to the link. 
 Confirming View & Edit Access 
 You have view & edit access if: 
 
 The toolbar shows editing tools 
 You can click into the document and type 
 The document opens in editing mode instead of read-only mode 
 
 Making Edits 
 With view & edit access, you can: 
 
 Add, delete, and modify text 
 Format content such as bold, italic, and similar styling 
 Insert images, tables, and other supported elements 
 Add comments 
 Use the standard editing tools available in the document editor 
 
 Saving Your Work 
 
 Changes are saved while you work 
 You can also save manually at important moments 
 Your edits may appear in version history, depending on the sharing settings and access options applied to the document 
 
 Collaboration Features 
 Real-Time Editing 
 If other people are editing at the same time: 
 
 You may see their cursors and changes in real time 
 You can collaborate in the same document during the same session 
 Your presence may be shown to others using your verified email 
 
 Comments 
 
 Add comments on specific text or content 
 Reply to existing comments 
 Resolve comments when appropriate 
 
 Your Identity 
 Your contributions are connected to your verified email address. 
 
 Version history may show your email as the author of changes 
 Comments may display your verified email 
 Other collaborators may identify your activity through that email address 
 
 Limitations 
 As an external user, you may not be able to: 
 
 Share the document with other people 
 Change sharing settings 
 Delete the document 
 Access other documents without separate links or permissions 
 
 Session Timeout 
 If your session expires while you are editing: 
 
 Recent changes should already be saved 
 You may need to verify your email again to continue 
 Re-verifying quickly helps you return to the document with less interruption 
 
 Best Practices 
 
 Save manually at important milestones 
 Use comments to communicate with the document owner or collaborators 
 Finish important edits before the link expires 
 Keep the share link available in case you need to re-open the document later