Adobe Software: Restrict PDF Editing

Tags adobe pdf
Question

How can editing be restricted in a PDF file?

Answer

Users can restrict editing for PDF documents by using the Protect tool in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

 

  1. Launch Adobe Acrobat DC Pro and press File > Open.  Browse to your PDF document and double-click it to open it in Acrobat.

Adobe Acrobat Pro with the file menu dropdown exposed

  1. Select Protect in the right sidebar.

PDF form with the tool bar exposed

  1. Select  Advanced Options > Security Properties .

PDF with the Protect tool shown. Advanced Options menu is exposed

  1. Select Password Security in the Security Method drop down menu.

Documents Properties window shown

  1. Tick “Restrict editing and printing of the document”. Set "Printing Allowed" and "Changes Allowed" to None. Tick "Enable text access for screen reader devices for the visually impaired".

Password security settings window

  1. Type your permissions password.

password security settings window with passwords filled in

  1. Press OK, re-enter the passwords, and press OK again to save the changes.
  2. Save the PDF by selecting File > Save As and type in the new file name.

Adobe Acrobat Pro file menu exposed

  1. Open and test the read-only form.
    Adobe Acrobat Pro window
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