Getting a document approved by someone

To get a document approved:

1. Right-click on the file.
2. Hover over «Approval» — it has an arrow on the right.
3. Choose «Request approval».
4. In the window that opens, look the reviewer up by name or email, leave them a note if it helps (“Can you check the final version of the contract?”) and confirm.

The file gets the «Pending approval» marker in the list and the reviewer receives the request. They decide: approve or refuse.

If the request came to you

Same path — right-click on the file → «Approval» → «Approve or reject». You also find them all together in the «Control centre» (at the bottom of the left-hand menu) → «Approvals», tab «Document approvals».

⚠️ While it is pending, the document is frozen

That is the point of the feature: you approve that version, not one that changes in the meantime. So as long as the request is open, the file cannot be edited.

If the reviewer never answers

It happens: they are on holiday, they changed role. Whoever has the «Manage approvals» permission can cancel the request and free the file. They cannot decide in their place — the outcome stays with the chosen reviewer — but they can take the document out of limbo.

Approving without anyone asking

Whoever has the «Approve without a request» permission can put the approval on themselves, without waiting for someone to send it. Typical of whoever manages.

Questions this guide answers

• how do I get a file approved
• how do I ask a colleague to check a document
• what does awaiting approval mean
• the file is stuck waiting for approval
• request approval
• approve or refuse
• to be approved
• cancel an approval request
• who has to approve