Restrict PDF Permissions

How to restrict PDF permissions

1. Select the PDF you want to restrict.
2. Choose what to allow or block: printing, copying text and images, editing, annotating and filling forms.
3. Set an owner password so the restrictions can only be changed by you, and optionally an open password.
4. Apply the settings and download the restricted PDF.

What permissions control

PDF permissions are rules stored in the encrypted file that tell PDF software what readers may do. You can allow full printing or block it, prevent copying of text and images, and prevent changes to pages, annotations or form fields. The owner password protects these settings; anyone who knows it can change them.

An honest note about permissions

Permissions are respected by Adobe Acrobat, browser viewers and most mainstream PDF applications, which is enough to stop casual copying, accidental edits and unauthorised printing in normal workflows. However, because the file can still be opened without a password, permissions are enforced by the reading software, not by the encryption alone, and some tools ignore them. If the content must stay confidential, add an open password with Protect PDF. Restrictions also don't stop someone from photographing the screen.

Typical uses

• Sharing a final contract or report that shouldn't be edited.
• Distributing course material or e-books where copying text is discouraged.
• Preventing high-resolution printing of proofs or drafts.

Combine with Add Watermark for visible ownership. Encryption is applied in your browser with qpdf, so the file is never uploaded.

Frequently asked questions