Password protecting pdf files with adobe reader

However, you cannot prevent saving copies of a PDF. The copies have the same restrictions as the original PDF. Two types of passwords are available:. Document open password. A Document Open password also known as a user password requires a user to type a password to open the PDF. Permissions password. A permissions password also known as a master password requires a password to change permission settings. Using a permissions password, you can restrict printing, editing, and copying content in the PDF.

They do need a password to change the restrictions you've set. If the PDF is secured with both types of passwords, it can be opened with either password. However, only the permissions password allows the user to change the restricted features. Because of the added security, setting both types of passwords is often beneficial. Type and retype your password. Your password must be at least six characters long. The password strength is displayed next to your password to indicate whether the chosen password is weak, medium, strong, or best.

Click Apply. Acrobat displays a confirmation message that the file was successfully protected using password. If you receive a prompt, click Yes to change the security. For each keystroke, the password strength meter evaluates your password and indicates the password strength.

Select an Acrobat version from the Compatibility drop-down menu. The Compatibility option you choose determines the type of encryption used. It is important to choose a version compatible with the recipient's version of Acrobat or Reader.

Encrypt All Document Contents. Encrypts the document and the document metadata. If this option is selected, search engines cannot access the document metadata. Encrypts the contents of a document but still allows search engines access to the document metadata. You can use a search tool that takes advantage of XMP metadata.

Encrypt Only File Attachments. So you can send your data without worrying about the data breach. So users, who have the password only they can view the contents of the file you shared. Fortunately, PDF files have an inbuilt password-protection encryption making it easier for users to password protect a PDF file for free. You can either browse and open the file from your system or can drag and drop it from your system.

The tools are located on the top left side of the screen in Adobe Reader Once the menu pops up, click "Yes" on the screen. The next step is to enter the password into your PDF file. You'll also need to choose the compatibility for this selected version of the PDF file.

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