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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.
An owner password is like a master key for your restricted PDF. Its main purpose is to allow you, the owner, to bypass all the restrictions you set. Without it, you cannot change the permissions, edit the content, or remove the restrictions later. It ensures that only authorized individuals can modify the document's security settings.
Yes, if you set the 'Changes Allowed' option to permit 'form fill'. When you restrict editing, you can choose specific actions that are still allowed. So, even with general editing restricted, users can still interact with and fill out forms if you enable that specific permission.
Choosing 'Low (150 dpi)' printing is useful when you want to allow people to print a document for basic reference, but you don't want them to create high-quality copies. This prevents professional reproduction or sharing of sharp images, protecting your content while still allowing a functional, albeit lower-quality, printed version for personal use or quick review.
| Restriction Type | What it prevents | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Restrict Editing | Changing text, images, pages (insert, delete, rotate), or form fields (unless 'form fill' is allowed). | Stopping someone from altering a contract's terms. |
| Restrict Copying | Selecting and copying text or images from the PDF to paste elsewhere. | Preventing users from easily extracting sensitive data or proprietary content. |