Best Ways to Lock a PDF from Editing and Copying

With growing digital risks, sharing sensitive information digitally can be stressful. Fortunately, several online utilities and dedicated software are available to protect your PDF files. Understanding these methods can enable you to share files safely.

Let us learn how to password protect PDFs with passwords, ensuring your confidential documents stay safe.

1. Password protect your PDF Using Adobe Acrobat DC

Sharing sensitive information in PDF file format requires an extra layer of security. You can safeguard your personal information with Acrobat DC’s robust password protection features. Here is how:

Step 1: Open Acrobat DC and access the PDF file.

Step 2: Select the protection type.

The password protection methods are of two types.

Basic Protection: This one-click option sets a password to restrict opening the PDF altogether.

Navigate to Tools > Protect a PDF and select Protect with password in the left pane. Here, choose the Editing option and set your desired password.

Advanced Protection: This method offers granular control, allowing you to set separate passwords for opening and modifying the PDF.

Go to Tools > Protect a PDF and select Encrypt with password (left pane) or File > Protect Using Password (macOS). This method allows you to restrict the PDF’s editing, printing, and copying functions.

Step 3: Setting Permissions (Advanced Protection Only)

Under Permissions, define what users can do with your PDF. Choose from options like Printing allowed (none, low resolution, or high resolution) and Changes allowed (restricting editing or allowing specific actions like filling forms).

Step 4: Compatibility and Encryption (Advanced Protection Only)

Ensure compatibility with recipient software by selecting an appropriate Acrobat version from the Compatibility menu. This determines the encryption type used.

Step 5: Encrypt Document Contents (Advanced Protection Only)

Decide what content to encrypt:

Encrypt all document contents: Encrypts everything, including metadata (not searchable by search engines).

Encrypt all document contents except metadata: Encrypts content but allows search engine access to metadata.

Encrypt only file attachments: A password is required to open attachments (useful for security envelopes).

Step 6:  Enter and confirm your chosen password(s). Click OK to apply password protection.

2. Secure PDF Online

An online PDF manager can be a great help to secure your PDF files. Here is how you can do it!

Choosing a Tool

Many reputable services offer PDF security features. You can password-protect PDFs for free using these platforms.

Uploading the PDF

In most of the online portals for PDF editing, you’ll find an “upload” button or drag-and-drop functionality to upload your PDF document.

Setting the Password

Once uploaded, you can set a password for your PDF. This password will be required to open the document. It’s crucial to choose a strong, unique password for optimal security.

Additional Security Options (Optional)

Some services offer additional security options beyond a password. These might include:

• Restricting printing: This prevents unauthorized users from printing the PDF.
• Restricting copying: This prevents users from copying the text content of the PDF.

Downloading the Secured PDF:

You can download the secured PDF file once you’ve set your password and any additional security options.

Important Considerations

• Security: While these online tools offer a convenient way to secure your PDF, it’s important to remember that some sensitive documents might require a more robust security solution.
• File Size Limits: Free online tools often have upload size limitations. Check the specific tool’s limit before uploading your PDF.
• File Deletion: Make sure the portal has a clear policy on how long it stores your uploaded files and how it deletes them.

3. Secure PDF with Password Using Systweak PDF Editor

Systweak PDF Editor provides a password protection feature for your confidential PDF documents. This stops illegal access and unauthorized activities like printing, editing, copying, and viewing content.

Features

• Set a strong alphanumeric password to secure your PDF.
• Only users with the correct password can open and view the protected PDF.
• Prevents unauthorized copying, editing, and printing of the PDF content.
• Ensures sensitive information within the PDF remains confidential.

How to Protect a PDF with Password

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Systweak PDF Editor:

• Open the Systweak PDF editor tool.
• Select “Protect PDF.”
• Choose the PDF file you wish to password-protect.
• Click “Protect” and set the password”

• In the designated field, type the alphanumeric password that you wish to use.
• Choose the “Protect’ option again to apply the password.
• Save the file in the location of your choice.

Summing Up

Following the methods described above, you can password-protect PDF files with a strong password. This gives you peace of mind when sharing documents by guaranteeing the security of your sensitive information. Systweak PDF Editor can be an efficient solution for protecting your PDFs. Go ahead and confidently share your documents now!