How to Password Protect a PDF

Basics about Passwords Everyone Should know

When you’re creating a PDF file, you can limit its access by setting a password and restricting certain features, such as printing and editing.
Keep in mind that you cannot prevent others from saving a copy of your PDF file. Rest assured that the saved copies will have the same restrictions as the original PDF. When setting up a password on PDF, you’ll come across two types:

1. Document open password
   Also referred to as a user password, it requires a user to type a password when opening a PDF file.
2. Permissions password
   Also known as a master password, this requires a password when changing the permission settings. With a permissions password, you can restrict printing, editing, and copying content in the PDF.
   If a PDF file is secured with both types of passwords, it can be opened with either password. However, only the permissions password allows the user to change the restricted features. Because of the added security, setting both types of passwords is often beneficial.

Protect your PDFs Using Adobe Acrobat Reader

Here’s how you can protect your PDF format using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

1. Head over to the main Adobe Acrobat Pro DC free trial page. Once there, click the blue Get Started button.
   To move forward, you’ll need to sign up for an Adobe Creative Cloud account, which involves providing your name and email address, as well as setting a new password.
   Note: If you’ve already subscribed to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and have the software installed on your system, skip to step 4.
   You’ll also have to input a payment method so that Adobe can charge you after the trial period — be sure to cancel prior to the indicated date if you don’t want to keep up the subscription.
   Once all that information is input, click the Sign-up button at the bottom of the forms. From there, the download will begin.
2. If you’re new to Adobe Acrobat Reader, you’ll need to install the DC Pro version.
3. Once Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is launched, click the Filemenu in the upper-left corner, and select Open. Choose the PDF file you want to password protect from its respective save location and click the Open button.
4. Click the File menu again when viewing the open document, followed by Properties, and then click the Security tab.
5. Click the drop-down menu beside Security Method, then select Password Security from the list of options.
6. A window should appear prompting you for a password. Check the box beside Require a password to open the document and enter your desired password in the corresponding text field.
   Ensure that you choose a unique password and not a password you’ve been using it for a different website.

How to restrict printing, editing, and copying

There’s a method to prevent users from printing, editing, or copying content in a PDF. You have the ability to set restrictions on a PDF. Once you’ve set a password, users won’t be able to change these restrictions unless you give them the password.
To open a restricted PDF, the user must enter the permissions password. Here’s the usual process:

1. Open the PDF in Acrobat DC, and do one of the following:
   • Choose Tools > Protect > More Options > Encrypt with Password.
   • Choose File > Protect Using Password, and then choose Advanced Password Protection from More Options.
2. If you receive a prompt, click Yes to change the security.
3. Select Restrict Editing And Printing of The Document.
4. Type the password in the field. The password strength meter will assess your password and specify its password strength.
5. Select what the user can print from the Printing Allowed menu:
   None – Prevents users from printing the document.
6. Select what the user can change from the Changes Allowed menu:
   • None
   • Inserting, Deleting, and Rotating Pages – Allows users to insert, delete, and rotate pages, and create bookmarks and thumbnails. This option comes with high (128 bit RC4 or AES) encryption.
   • Filling in Form Fields and Signing Existing Signature Fields – Allows users to fill in forms and add digital signatures. This option is only available for high (128 bit RC4 or AES) encryption.
   • Commenting, Filling in Form Fields, and Signing Existing Signature Fields – Allows users to add comments and digital signatures, and fill in forms.
   • Encrypt All Document Contents – Encrypts the PDF and its metadata. If you select this option, search engines won’t be able to access the document’s metadata.
   • Encrypt All Document Contents except Metadata – This option encrypts the contents of a document but allows the search engines to access the document’s metadata.
   • Encrypt Only File Attachments – This option requires a password to open all file attachments. However, users can still open the document without a password.
   When confirming the password, you’ll be prompted with the message, just Click OK.

Securely Share Files Online

By ensuring the utmost security of your PDF file, you eliminate the chances of eavesdropping. If a PDF file is password protected, you can share it online without worrying about the file landing into the wrong hands. If a file isn't password-protected, you risk your private data being exposed to unintended recipients, making online privacy of eminent importance.
When choosing a password to secure your PDF file or any other internet account for that matter, opt for a strong password. Strong passwords consist of alphanumeric characters which make it difficult for the intruder to guess. Use a reliable password generator to come up with a robust password.