diff --git a/crates/relicario-cli/src/commands/org.rs b/crates/relicario-cli/src/commands/org.rs
index 93fad2e..0e08220 100644
--- a/crates/relicario-cli/src/commands/org.rs
+++ b/crates/relicario-cli/src/commands/org.rs
@@ -1015,6 +1015,9 @@ pub fn run_edit(dir: &Path, query: &str, totp_qr: Option<std::path::PathBuf>, fi
     crate::org_session::UnlockedOrgVault::ensure_grant(&caller, &collection)?;
 
     let mut item = vault.load_item(&collection, &id)?;
+    if file.is_some() && !matches!(item.core, ItemCore::Document(_)) {
+        anyhow::bail!("--file is only valid when editing a Document item");
+    }
     eprintln!(
         "Editing: {} ({}) — leave a prompt blank to keep the current value.",
         item.title,