How do I edit files?

Download files from a library to edit them. If IBM® Docs is deployed and the file type is supported by the IBM Docs editor, you can edit it in IBM Docs.

About this task

You can choose whether to check out a file before you edit it. Checking out a file locks it so that no other user can replace the file while you are working on it. This function avoids lost edits and conflict errors if you try to replace the file at the same time as another community member.

Procedure

To edit library files, complete the following steps.
  1. Open the library that contains the file that you want to edit and click the name of the file.
  2. Optional: Click Check Out to lock the file. No other user can edit the file while it is checked out.
    Notes:
    • A small red lock icon Checked-out icon indicates that a file is locked when someone else checks it out. A gray lock icon with a green key Checked out by you icon displays when you check out the file.
    • To unlock the file, click Check In or select More Actions > Delete Draft. When you select Check In, your edited version of the file becomes the current version, and the file is unlocked. Canceling a check-out deletes any drafts and unlocks the file.
      Note: If draft review is enabled for your library, the Check In option is not available. Instead, you must submit the file for review by clicking Submit for Review. Your file is checked in when it is approved by the designated reviewers.
  3. Work with your file, select one of the following options
    • Click Download to download the file and save it to your computer.
    • If IBM Docs is deployed and the file type is supported by the IBM Docs editor, click Edit in Docs. You can then edit the file in IBM Docs.
    • If connectors are enabled, click Edit on Desktop and edit the file on your desktop.
  4. If you downloaded the file, edit the file on your computer and save your changes.
    Note: This step does not apply to IBM Docs files.
  5. Replace the file in the library with your updated version.
    Note: This step does not apply to IBM Docs files.
    1. On the summary page, click Upload New Version.
    2. Click Browse and navigate to the file on your computer.
    3. Select one of the following options:
      • Check In. Replaces the current public file with the version on your computer, and then unlocks the file.
        Note: If draft review is enabled for your library, the Check In option is not available. Instead, you must submit the file for review by clicking Submit for Review. Your file is checked in when it is approved by the designated reviewers.
      • Update Draft. Replaces the current draft file with the version on your computer, and keeps the file locked. When you are ready to make the draft the public version, click Check In.
      Note: Any external usersExternal user icon that are community members can see community libraries if that community contains libraries.