Generally speaking, read only means that the file can not be changed...read means the computer will read it and it would be available to use it...read and write means that computer software can read it and then you can edit it and write out a new copy of the information...i.e. stitch out the file. I haven't tried to use a file that is read only, but I've downloaded and moved some of them that say that they are read only.

got your answer so I will give * to you

Guess a few more of us know the answer now. I had wondered about it myself but seldom encounter one so haven't tried to find out. *4u Barb

Yes, read only means you can just open and use it, but can't save changes to it. It's probably a way of protecting the file you download from your accidentally messing it up by trying to save changes to it. Kind of like when you used to punch out the little tab on a cassette tape, so you couldn't record over it. It should be fine. Hugs, Marji

I wanted to put a design from a bought memory card on to the computer so that I could print out the design for placememt and also put writting around it. It said read only file and I cound not do anything. Any suggestions. What am I doing wrong

If you want to edit the file, you need to change the file attribute. Right click on the design, un-click "read only" and click on "archive." I'm not sure this will work on a memory card, but you can try. Or try copy & paste to your computer. Use "Ctrl C" to copy.

Thanks for all of the tips!

Hope all the answers you received help - *4U

thanks for tips

Thanks for asking this question auntbaba, I didn't know but every day we learn something more isn't it??? Thanks for the answers as well.