Unlocking locked files in Studio

When a file such as an article is opened for editing it is 'checked-out' and thereby locked for other users to also work on. When checking-in the file this lock is removed, thereby making it possible for another user to open it for editing.

When the Web browser crashes or when a user forgets to check-in the file, the file remains locked. It can be unlocked by using the Abort Checkout option.

How to recognize files that are locked

Files that are locked show an icon in the 'In use by (icon)' column or on top of the thumbnail:

Icon	Remarks
	A red padlock icon indicates that the file is locked for offline usage, for example in InDesign or InCopy. In thumbnail view, this icon is white.
	A gray padlock icon indicates that the file is locked because it has been checked out. In thumbnail view, this icon is white.
	A gray pencil icon indicates that the file is checked out by you. In thumbnail view, this icon is white.

Tip: Hover the mouse pointer over the icon to see the name of the user who has the file in use.

Unlocking locked files

To unlock a locked file, right-click it and choose Abort Checkout.

Note: To unlock files that have been checked-out by another user, you need to have Admin rights.

Revisions

• 5 February 2026: Updated section 'How to recognize files that are locked' by adding the icons.