diff --git a/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/noteeditor.xml b/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/noteeditor.xml
index f06d99adeb..a0d8e64eba 100644
--- a/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/noteeditor.xml
+++ b/chrome/content/zotero/bindings/noteeditor.xml
@@ -216,9 +216,13 @@
 			<method name="save">
 				<body>
 					<![CDATA[
-						var noteField = this._id('noteField');
+						if (this._mode == 'view') {
+							Zotero.debug("Not saving read-only note");
+							return;
+						}
 						
 						// Update note
+						var noteField = this._id('noteField');
 						if (this.item) {
 							// If note is reselected automatically after save
 							// from external note window, don't overwrite content
