How to Create Secure PDF Forms
Adobe created the PDF, or portable document format, as a sort of universal file format that nearly everyone who has a computer and Internet access can use. Adobe Acrobat Reader, which allows you to view PDF files, is available for free download. However to create and manipulate documents, you must have the full Adobe Acrobat software. With it, you can create standard PDF forms, PDF forms with editable fields and even secure PDF forms for sensitive digital documents. A free trial of the fully functioning version is available at Adobe's website.
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Instructions
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Open the PDF file you want to make secure by double clicking it. Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro will open automatically.
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Click "Secure" in the toolbar at the top of Acrobat. Select "Encrypt with Password" from the drop-down menu.
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Click "Yes" when asked whether you want to change the security of the document.
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Select the version compatability you would like from the drop-down menu at the top of the Password Security Settings window. The seting you select depends on your intended recipients. If you set your compatibility at Acrobat 7 and up, then your recipients will need to have or acquire that version or higher of Adobe Acrobat Reader to access your PDF file. If you are unsure, Acrobat 5 and up should suffice.
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Select "Encrypt all document contents" in the next section in the window.
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Check the box next to "Require a password to open the document" and enter a password in the text field below it.
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Click "OK" at the bottom of the window and re-enter the password in the pop-up window when prompted. Click "OK" again. Click "OK" when notified that security settings will take effect once the document is saved.
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Press "Control + S" to save the document in its original location you opened it from. Your PDF is now secure.
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Tips & Warnings
You can also set passwords to control configuration saving and changing printing capabilities.
Never use a password that is used elsewhere for important documents.
Be sure you write down your password so you can access your PDF file after it is secure.
