We have draft zoning maps ready but they must be limited to staff and select reviewers until the public release. I am …
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.
When you allow 'Low (150 dpi)' printing, people can print your PDF, but the quality will be blurry. This is useful if you want to allow a basic printout but not a clear, high-quality copy. 'High' printing allows people to print your document in the best possible quality, just like the original. Choose 'Low' to protect visual quality while allowing some printing, or 'High' for full quality.
The owner password is very important. It is the only way for you to change the security settings later. Without it, your PDF will stay locked with the rules you set, and you cannot make any changes. This protects your document from others changing your rules, but also means you must keep the password safe.
When you restrict editing, the 'Changes Allowed' setting controls many things. If you want people to fill out forms but not change other parts of the document, you need to make sure the 'Changes Allowed' option permits 'form fill'. If you set 'Changes Allowed' to 'None', then form filling will also be blocked. Always check this specific setting for forms.
'Restrict Permissions' means you set rules for what people can do with your PDF. You can stop them from printing, editing, or copying your document. This helps you keep your information safe and control how others use your files.