How do I set permissions on an individual file within a document library in SharePoint?

  • Go to your document library
  • Click to the left of the File you want to set permissions on so that the tick appears: 

  • Click on the information icon on the right hand end of the grey bar at the top of the document library:

  • The information bar will appear on the right of the page:

  • Click on 'Sharing' in the information bar
  • The list of users that can currently view the folder will be shown
  • Scroll to the bottom of the list and click Advanced at the bottom to view the more traditional (and helpful) permissions page. 

  • The file will be inheriting permissions from its parent – this needs to be changed. Click 'Stop Inheriting Permissions' at the top left.
  • A warning message will appear:  

  • Click OK to proceed. 
  • Grant access to individual users or groups to this folder. Click 'Grant Permissions' in the top menu. 
  • The Sharing pop-up will be displayed.    

  • Type the user's name or userid (or group name) in the 'Enter names or email addresses' box and pick the right name from the list that appears. 
  • Click 'SHOW OPTIONS' 
  • Untick 'Send an email invitation' 
  • Select the appropriate permission level in the 'Select a permission level' drop down menu, e.g. Contribute. 
  • Click Share to finish. 
  • Refresh the page to see your additional users/groups showing in the permission list. 
  • You can also remove permissions for users/groups that have been inherited from the top level by ticking the box to the left of the user/group then clicking the 'Remove User Permissions' button at the top.