How to Modify the Locked Properties of a PDF File

A Portable Document File (PDF) can contain text, images and embedded audio and video for use on almost any computer operating system, including Windows and Apple. PDFs can be locked with security features to prevent unauthorized editing. With the correct password, the PDF can be unlocked and modified to allow limited access to specific groups of users who may wish to copy or print the document. Modifying a locked PDF takes only a minute.

Instructions

1. Open the PDF by double-clicking the name of the file to display the document on screen.

2. Click "File" in the top left-corner of the screen and choose "Document Security."

3. Type the password for the document in the blank field labeled "User Password" and click "OK."

4. Use the mouse button to check or uncheck the different locked properties for the PDF and click "OK." For example, to prohibit anyone from printing the PDF, click the "No Printing" box.

Tips & Warnings

• Click the "No Changing the Document" box when emailing PDF documents that are for informational purposes only, such as newsletters and marketing materials.

• Keep your documents' passwords in a safe location.

References

• Adobe PDF information
• FAQ protecting PDFs