Document Libraries

Document libraries are shared file repositories in a SharePoint site

Document libraries are storage centers for files within a SharePoint site. Default site configurations include one document library automatically, and additional ones can be added as needed.

Adding and deleting from document libraries

Files can be uploaded to a document library in several ways. Document libraries support drag and drop as well as direct uploads. File activity including access, deletions, and editing are all tracked. Versions are saved automatically and older versions can be restored from Version history.

Users can require certain conditions be met in order to upload to document libraries. For instance, files can require approval from certain users to be uploaded. There is also the option to only allow certain users to view and edit particular files until approval has been given.

When editing a file, users can choose to "check out" the file. This means only that particular user can edit the item until checked back in. This stops multiple users from working on the same file at once and creating conflicting changes.

Document Libraries and Sharing

Document libraries are designed to hold related files for a project within a site. As a result, different document libraries can have different sharing permissions to ensure that the correct people have access to relevant files.

While files inherit the permissions from the document library, Individual items can be shared with more or fewer restrictions. SharePoint will show a warning when such a condition exists, or if access may be limited in unexpected ways.