# Viewers and asking to edit

> See what a viewer can do in a file, how a viewer asks for edit access, and how the owner answers.

Source: https://uxdeck.app/guide/viewers (checked against uxdeck on 16 October 2026)

A viewer can open a file, look around, comment and read the design's measurements, but cannot change anything. It is the right role for clients, stakeholders and developers who need to inspect a screen without the risk of moving it.

People become viewers when the file's link is set to **Anyone can view**, or when the owner sets them to **Viewer** in **Invite**.

## What a viewer sees

Instead of the Design and Prototype panels, a viewer has two tabs on the right:

- **Properties:** select a layer to see its width, height, radius, opacity, colours and type. Each can be copied: **Copy layout as CSS**, **Copy every colour** and **Copy typography as CSS**. A viewer can also export the selection from here.
- **Comments:** every thread in the file. Viewers can comment, reply and use @ mentions like anyone else. See [Comments](/guide/comments).

Viewers do not get the coach or the agent: the left side shows only the layers.

## Ask to edit

A signed-in viewer sees **Ask to edit** in the floating toolbar at the bottom of the canvas.

1. Press **Ask to edit**.
2. The button changes to **Edit requested**, and the owner is told.

Someone who opened the link as a guest is asked to sign in first. The button is there for them once they have an account.

## Answer a request (owner)

Requests reach the owner in three places:

- at the top of **Invite**, under **Asking to edit**;
- in the bell, under **Requests**, as **Asked to edit**;
- by email, if your notification settings send requests by email.

Press **Allow editing** to make them an editor, or decline. A declined viewer keeps viewing, is not told, and can ask again later.

If you are on Pro and they are not, making them an editor takes one of your seats. uxdeck asks you first. Read [Seats and editors](/guide/seats).

## Catches

- **There is no commenter role.** Viewing includes commenting. To stop someone commenting, remove their access.
- **A viewer can still copy what they see.** Properties copies colours and CSS, and export is open to them. Share with care.
- **Edit access belongs to the person, not the link.** Allowing one viewer to edit leaves everyone else on the link as they were.
- **A request waits.** The bell keeps it under **Requests** until the owner answers.