---
title: Check out a document to make changes
description: After a document is added to a managed document record, check the file out to make changes. Checking documents in and out keeps a record of document changes and ensures that only one person at a time is editing the document.
locale: en-US
canonical_url: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/australia/servicenow-platform/document-management-services/t\_CheckOutADocumentToMakeChanges.html
release: australia
product: Document Management Services
classification: document-management-services
topic_type: task
last_updated: "2026-03-12"
reading_time_minutes: 1
breadcrumb: [Managed Documents, Document Services, Manage content capabilities, Extend ServiceNow AI Platform capabilities]
---

# Check out a document to make changes

After a document is added to a managed document record, check the file out to make changes. Checking documents in and out keeps a record of document changes and ensures that only one person at a time is editing the document.

## Before you begin

Role required: document\_management\_admin

or

Role required: document\_management\_user

## Procedure

1.  Open the document record.

2.  Select the **Check Out Document** related link.

    \[Omitted image "CheckOutADocument.png"\] Alt text: Check out a document.

3.  Select **Download file**.

4.  Click **Check Out**.

5.  Open the file and make a small change.

6.  Save the document with the same name, but a new revision number.

    For example, `Policy_POL_02.txt`.


**Parent Topic:**[Managed Documents](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ServiceNow/ServiceNowDocs/australia/markdown/australia/servicenow-platform/document-management-services/c_ManagedDocuments.md)