Create a reusable [template=corridor study report template] and publish it to the shared [library] so other planners c…
Open the PDF file you want to restrict in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Select File from the top menu, then choose Properties.
In the Document Properties window, click the Security tab.
From the Security Method dropdown, select Password Security.
In the Password Security Settings dialog, check the option to restrict editing and printing of the document.
Set a permissions password when prompted.
CautionIf you forget this password, you cannot change or remove the restrictions later.
Choose the specific restrictions you want to apply (e.g., disallow printing, disallow editing, disallow copying).
Click OK to confirm your settings and close the dialog.
Click OK again in the Document Properties window.
Save the PDF to apply the new permissions.
Best practiceTest your restricted PDF in a different PDF reader or with a different user account to confirm the permissions are enforced.
You can review or change these restrictions later by reopening the Document Properties and returning to the Security tab.
This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.
Access controls in Adobe Acrobat are settings that let you decide who can open, print, or change your PDF. They are important because they help protect your information from being copied, edited, or shared without your permission. Using access controls keeps your documents safe and private.
| Setting | What It Means |
|---|---|
| None | No one can print the PDF at all. |
| Low (150 dpi) | People can print, but only in low quality (150 dots per inch). |
Adobe Acrobat asks for an owner password to stop others from removing or changing the access controls you set. This password acts like a lock, so only someone who knows it can change printing, editing, or copying permissions. It keeps your document safe from unwanted changes.