I'm finalizing a release package with cost tables that should only be opened by procurement and management. I worry he…
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.
'Printing Allowed: None' means no one can print your PDF at all. 'Printing Allowed: Low (150 dpi)' means people can print it, but only at a low quality. This is useful if you want people to have a physical copy but not a high-quality one that could be easily reproduced.
Adobe Acrobat requires an owner password to ensure that only the document owner can change the security settings. This protects your document's integrity and prevents unauthorized users from altering the permissions you've set, such as allowing printing or editing when you intended to restrict it.
If you forget the owner password, you generally cannot remove the restrictions set on a PDF. The owner password is the key to unlocking these settings. Without it, the document remains protected as configured. It's crucial to keep your owner password safe and memorable to avoid losing control over your document's permissions.
'Changes Allowed' defines what types of modifications users can make to your PDF. This includes actions like inserting, deleting, or rotating pages, filling out forms, or extracting pages. By setting this option, you control the level of interaction others have with your document's content and structure.