Two Simple Methods to Restrict Editing in PDF Files
When it comes to digital documents, the ability to make or restrict modifications is invaluable.
The PDF format also benefits from some restrictions to ensure the integrity of the document.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to restrict editing in PDF documents, both through Adobe Acrobat and the powerful SysTools software.
Table of Content:
If you have the paid Adobe Acrobat DC software, then opt for the Adobe step-by-step section. If not, opt for the SysTools software since it is a powerful and cost-friendly tool.
Introduction to PDF Edit Restrictions & How it Works
When you restrict editing in a PDF document, you’re essentially setting up safeguards to prevent unauthorized modifications. This can be crucial for confidential reports, legal contracts, or any document where maintaining the original content is paramount. By limiting editing capabilities, you ensure that your PDF’s content remains intact and unaltered.
How do restrictions on editing PDFs work?
It is quite simple. PDF format supports two types of restrictions:
One is PDF password protection which requires the reader to enter a password to open the document. This feature restricts direct access to the PDF file.
Another is to put restrictions on the PDF file such as editing, printing, copying, etc. It locks certain actions so people cannot easily modify the PDF document without the author’s consent. For example, what we are essentially doing in this article is making a PDF non-editable. Thus preventing others from editing PDF files even if they have direct access to open and read them.
How to Restrict Editing in Adobe Acrobat
Adobe being the ‘literal father’ of the PDF format provides security options to prevent editing of PDF files. It is a straightforward process as long as you have the paid version of the software. The free Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat will not have these options.
Here is how you restrict editing in a PDF file using Adobe Acrobat DC:
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Firstly, launch Adobe Acrobat and open the PDF document you want to restrict.
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Secondly, click on File, then Properties.
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Thirdly, navigate to the Security tab.
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Fourthly, choose Password Security under the Security Method.
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Fifthly, enable editing restrictions and set a permissions password. This password is required to make any changes to the document.
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Sixthly, specify the editing permissions you want to apply, such as limiting text and image changes.
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Lastly, click OK, confirm the permissions password, and save the PDF. It is now restricted from editing.
How to Restrict Editing in PDF with SysTools
SysTools PDF Lock Tool offers an intuitive solution for restricting editing in PDF documents. You will find that it incorporates the security mechanism in the same way as Adobe to keep the process familiar to PDF users.
With this application, users can set a password for opening the document or simply disable certain actions like editing, copy and paste, printing, etc. Or even better, do both. Plus, users get to choose the encryption level of the document.
This tool is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. Download it and prevent PDF editing for free. However, the demo version will watermark the processed PDFs. Purchase the one-time-pay full version to rid the tool of such limitations.
Step-by-Step Process
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Step 1: Launch the application on your PC.
Download and install the product on your computer. Then launch it.
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Step 2: Add PDF files to apply edit restriction.
Click Add File to import the PDF documents you want to restrict. Yes, you can add and process multiple files at once.
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Step 3: Set the edit restriction & password.
Set a password for editing restrictions. You can choose to restrict different actions as per your choice.
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Step 4: Restrict editing in PDF successfully.
Click the Lock button to apply the editing restrictions.
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Step 5: Open the PDF file to verify edit permission.
Open the PDF file and check its security properties. You will find that all kinds of edit actions are banned on the document.
How Can I Edit the Document Again in the Future
- If you have the restrictions password, you can do it through Adobe Acrobat.
- If you do not have the restriction password, you can do it through another SysTools software.
In Adobe Acrobat, if you need to edit the document again in the future, do the following:
- Simply open the PDF
- Then go to its properties.
- After that select No Security in the Security tab.
- Now, enter the permissions password you set earlier.
- Finally, you’ll have full editing access.
Or, you can use SysTools PDF Unlocker to remove the edit restrictions from PDF by entering the password, allowing you to edit the document freely.
100% Working Ways to Prevent Editing in PDF
Whether you choose Adobe Acrobat or SysTools utility, both methods provide effective ways to restrict editing in PDF documents. Choose as per your budget and ease. Both these measures ensure that PDF content remains secure and unaltered. Thus, preserving the integrity of the digital documents.