Difference Between Edit and Contribute Permission in SharePoint

It is necessary to effectively manage SharePoint permissions for ensuring data security and correct access to users. One can view, change, or manage a site in SharePoint only when assigned with the necessary permission levels.

In this blog post, we have discussed the difference between edit and contribute permission in SharePoint.

Key Takeaways:

  • Contribute permissions enable you to add/change items on site pages/lists and document libraries.
  • Edit permissions allow users to add, edit, and delete lists.
  • With Edit permissions, you can view, add, update, and delete list items and documents.

What is Contribute Permission in SharePoint?

Contribute permissions are permissions in SharePoint that enables you to add or change items on the site pages or in lists and document libraries.

Each permission level has a set of permissions associated with it, based on the intended roles and tasks for that level. For example, the Site members group has the Contribute permission level by default.

Note: Above settings applicable only when you are using SharePoint 2013/2016/2019/Subscription Edition.

What Capabilities Does Contribute Permission Provide in SharePoint?

When you are assigned with default Contribute permission level in SharePoint server, then you can perform the following tasks:

  • Check in, check out
  • Revert a web file
  • Revert a version from the version history for a web file
  • Delete a web file
  • Recycle a deleted web file

Note: Above settings applicable only when you are using SharePoint 2013/2016/2019/Subscription Edition.

Permissions included by default if you use SharePoint 2013/2016/2019 or Subscription Edition:

  • Read permissions, plus:
  • Add Items
  • Edit Items
  • Delete Items
  • Delete Versions
  • Browse Directories
  • Edit Personal User Information
  • Manage Personal Views
  • Add/Remove Personal Web Parts
  • Update Personal Web Parts

What is Edit Permission in SharePoint?

Edit permissions allow users to add, edit, and delete lists. You can view, add, update, and delete list items and documents. The permission level is set to Edit by default, which means the people you invite can make some changes to the list, library, or survey.

Note: Above settings applicable only when you are using SharePoint 2013/2016/2019/Subscription Edition.

What Capabilities Does Edit Permission Provide in SharePoint?

Here we have discussed modern site permissions by title (specific to Edit permissions):

Title Permission Level Has Permission to
Site Owner Full control
  • Edit site member settings
  • Edit site settings
Site Member Edit and Contribute
  • Add, edit, and delete lists
  • Add, edit, and delete document libraries
  • Add or remove site members
  • Add, edit, and remove documents
  • Add, edit, and delete a page
  • Add, edit, delete a news post
  • Add, edit, and delete page sections
  • Add, edit, and delete web parts
  • Add, edit, and delete site navigation
Site Visitor Read Only View content

What are the Differences Between Edit and Contribute Permissions in SharePoint?

The table below shows differences between edit and contribute permissions in SharePoint:

Features Edit Contribute
View Site Pages and Items Yes Yes
Add, Edit, and Delete List Items Yes Yes
Upload, Edit, and Delete Documents Yes Yes
Create New Lists and Libraries Yes No
Delete Lists and Libraries Yes No
Modify List or Library Settings Yes No

Avoid Permission Mistakes in SharePoint

Assigning permissions incorrectly can lead to authorization issues and data integrity risks. Ensure to use edit and contribute permissions properly in SharePoint for smooth workflows and team collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the risks associated with granting Edit permissions in SharePoint?

Risks associated with granting edit permissions in SharePoint:

  • Unauthorized access to critical data
  • Data leakage issues
  • Accidental data deletions

2. When to assign Edit vs Contribute in team sites?

Assign Contribute for standard team members who only need to create, edit, or delete documents and list items. Assign Edit to power users, content managers, or team leads who need to create, modify, or delete entire lists and document libraries.

3. How to grant contribute permission to external collaborators in a business document platform?

There are 2 external sharing models used in SharePoint and OneDrive:

  • SharePoint external authentication
  • SharePoint and OneDrive integration with Microsoft Entra B2B

When you use Microsoft Entra B2B integration, Microsoft Entra external collaboration settings, such as guest invite settings and collaboration restrictions, apply.

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