Managing your document's settings and reader permissions

  • Updated

Every document uploaded to Scribd expands the reach of knowledge. Your work adds to a global library where readers seek insights, research, and creativity. You control how your document appears and how readers engage with it.

Find your document’s edit page

Your uploads page lists all documents associated with your account. Use the Filter tool to sort by privacy setting, upload date, title, or popularity.

To adjust settings:

  1. Locate the document you want to edit.
  2. Click the Edit (pencil) icon next to it. On a mobile web browser, this icon appears below the document.

Once inside the edit page, you’ll see two tabs:

  • Presentation – Adjusts how your document is displayed.
  • Set Reader Permissions – Controls how readers interact with your content.

Customize how your document is presented

Under the Presentation tab, you can refine the details that shape first impressions:

  • Title – The name displayed to readers.
  • Description – A brief summary that helps readers understand your document at a glance.
  • Cover image – The visual that represents your document in search results.

Categorization helps readers find your work:

  • Interest – A broad category that classifies your document (e.g., research, presentation, creative writing).
  • Tags – Keywords that improve discoverability.

Language – The primary language of your document is automatically assigned, but can be changed if necessary.

Need to update the document content with a revision? You can replace an existing version of your document while keeping its metadata and engagement history intact.

Control reader permissions

Under the Set Reader Permissions tab, define how readers interact with your content:

  • Copy and paste permissions – Allow or prevent text from being copied.
  • Download permissions – Enable or restrict document downloads.

Privacy settings

Control who can access your document:

  • Public – Visible to all Scribd readers, appearing in search results and on your profile.
  • Private – Restricted from search results and hidden from your profile.

Learn more about the impact of privacy settings in our document privacy guide.

Copyright and licensing

Decide how others can use your content. Scribd offers a range of licensing options to protect your work while allowing readers to engage with it. Review our Copyright FAQ for details.

Save your changes

Once you’ve adjusted your settings, click Save to apply updates.

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