How to verify effective encryption (version 4.1 or 4.2)

When I save a (new) file with a password, then close it (exiting libreoffice), and re-open it again I can do so w/o entering the password. Was the file ever encrypted? When trying to change the password I am asked for the previous password - so the file keeps the information. What is really happening / what am I doing incorrectly?

Please edit your question to indicate your operating system. Thanks.

If I use File > Save As… > and then check the “Save with password” option:

password option

… I am then presented with the Set Password dialog:

set password dialog

This gives two options:

  • File encryption (prompt for password on opening).
  • File sharing i.e., editing (file is opened read only, prompt for password on clicking the Edit File toolbar button).

Is this not what you are seeing or being prompted with?

Thank you. My issue was a misinterpretation of functions. When I selected Properties > Security > Protect I entered a pswd. Then I did Save As etc. (not quite as you showed in your pictures and described in words). Furthermore, when saving the file I selected Text Encoded (.txt) and all it did was add some characters to deal with the CR / LF function as I understand now. Generally, this format seems not to accept encryption.

Your outline, however, differed from my steps - and that made the difference. The functionality is now as I expected. Thanks for your clear presentation!

Note: I did check by eyeball (cat & emacs) the difference in patterns between .docx files with different pswd’s. They seem distinct throughout the files. I begin to trust this encryption (having some “healthy paranoia” about reliable encryption).

Again, Thanks