Technology Training and Education

Password Protect a PDF

1.  Go to Tools panel > Protection pane > click on Encrypt > click Encrypt with Password…


2.  The Password Security – Settings window will open


3.  In the window that opens, next to Compatibility select what version of Adobe you want the PDF to be compatible for


NOTE: The later the version you can use, the higher level of encryption you will get

4.  Under Select Document Contents to Encrypt you can select and option as to what parts of the document you want encrypted:

  • Encrypt all document contents- encrypts everything, including any metadata that could show up in search engines if the PDF were to be posted on the web
  • Encrypt all document contents except metadata- won’t encrypt metadata, allowing search engines to access that information
  • Encrypt only file attachments- only the attachments will be encrypted, the rest of the file will be accessible

5.  If you want to require the user to enter a password to open the document check the box next to Require a password to open the document


  • In the box next to Document Open Password: type in the password you want to use to open the document

  • The four bars next to the box will show you the strength of the password

NOTE: do not forget this password, there is no way of retrieving it and if you lose it you will not be able to open this document again.

6.  If you want to require a password that prevents the user from editing or printing the document once it is open, check the box next to Restrict editing and printing of the document


  • In the box next to Change Permissions Password: type in the password you want to use to allow users to change the permissions for the document

Note: if you are using a password entered to open the document this password must be different from the password required to open the document

  • You can then select what permissions the user will be allowed after they enter the password:
    • Printing allowed: click on the dropdown arrow to select either:
      • None- no printing allowed
      • Only Low resolution printing
      • Normal, High resolution printing


    • Changes allowed: click on the dropdown arrow to select to allow either:
      • Inserting, deleting, and rotating pages
      • Filling in form fields and signing existing signature fields
      • Commenting, filling in form fields, and signing existing signature fields
      • Any except extracting pages – the user can make any changes except to extract pages

  • Check the box next to Enable copying of text, images, and other content if you want to let the user to copy the information after the entered the password, if not leave it unchecked

  • Check the box next to Enable text access for screen reader devices for the visually impaired to allow screen readers access to the text

7.  When you are finished click Ok


8.  You will be prompted to confirm the Document Open Password to make sure you don’t forget it or type it incorrectly


9.  You will get a warning letting you know that there may be other types of PDF readers that do not support the encryption allowing users to view encrypted information, click Ok


10.  You will be prompted to confirm the Permissions Password to make sure you don’t forget it or type it incorrectly


11.  You must save the document for the settings to take place, in the Save as window select the location and name of the protected file and click Save


 

12.  When the user opens a password encrypted document they will be prompted to enter the password in order to open the document


13.  If you have added a password for permissions the user will not be able to print, etc. until they go to Tools pane > Protection pane > click on Encrypt > click on Remove


  • They will be prompted to enter the Permissions Password

  • When they enter the correct password they will be able to access the features you specified