To create a master document, you start with an outline and then designate headings in the outline as subdocuments. You can also add an existing document to a master document to make it a subdocument.
Working with a master document
A master document allows you to create a table of contents, index, cross-references, and headers and footers for all of the subdocuments.
You can use outline view to work in a master document. For example, you can:
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Expand or collapse subdocuments or change views to show or hide detail.
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Quickly change the structure of the document by adding, removing, combining, splitting, renaming, and rearranging subdocuments.
To work with the contents of a subdocument, open it from the master document. When subdocuments are collapsed in the master document, each subdocument appears as a hyperlink. When you click the hyperlink, Microsoft Word displays the subdocument in a separate document window.
Using templates and formatting in a master document
The template you use for a master document controls the styles used when you view and print the entire document. You can also use different templates
Protecting shared master documents from unauthorized access
If someone is currently working on a subdocument, the document is "locked" to you and others. This means that you can view the subdocument, but you can't modify it until the other person closes the subdocument.
If you want to prevent unauthorized users from viewing or changing a master document or subdocument, you can open the document and assign a password to limit access to the document. You can also set an option to open the file as read-only. (Note that if you set file sharing to the read-only option, the subdocument is "locked" to other users.)