How to Protect a PDF From Editing

By Diana Braun

Adobe PDF files are the preferred file format for sharing documents that can be viewed on any computer regardless of operating system or installed software. The Adobe Reader software is available for free from Adobe.com and is the only software needed to view and read a PDF file. PDF documents are created, edited and managed using Adobe Acrobat. A password can be configured to protect the document as well as restrict editing and printing rights if you don't want the document to be altered or printed and shared.

Step 1

Launch Adobe Acrobat. Click "Start" from the bottom of the screen. Click "All Programs" and then click "Adobe Acrobat" from the list of applications.

Step 2

Launch Adobe Acrobat. Click "Start" from the bottom of the screen. Click "All Programs" and then click "Adobe Acrobat" from the list of applications.

Step 3

Click "Advanced" from the top menu. Click "Security" and then "Encrypt with Password" from the Advanced drop-down menu. You will be prompted with a window asking if you wish to change the security settings, click "Yes." The Security Settings window launches.

Step 4

Check the box next to "Restrict editing and printing."

Step 5

Enter a password in the password field underneath the "Restrict editing and printing." This is the password required to make edits to the document.

Step 6

Click "OK" in the Security window.

Step 7

Click "File" from the top menu and then "Save" to save your security changes.

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