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How to Change Security Settings in PDF File – Updated Guide

PDF files have multiple security options, making them a popular digital document format globally. Often owners want to change security settings in a PDF file so that they can control who can open, access, edit, or print the documents. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of changing PDF security settings using the top methods.

Understanding PDF Security Settings

PDF security settings are commonly known as permissions or restrictions. Sometimes, users also include the user password in security settings. The primary types of PDF security settings include:

1. Password Protection:

• Password protection restricts unauthorized access to the PDF.
• Users can set a password to open the document. So, only those with the correct password can view its contents.

2. Print Restrictions:

• Print restrictions prevent users from printing the PDF file.
• This feature is useful to limit the distribution of hard copies of PDF document.

3. Copy and Paste Restrictions:

• These restrictions prohibit users from copying content from PDF and pasting into other documents.
• This safeguard helps protect content from unauthorized use or duplication.

4. Edit Restrictions:

• Editing restrictions protect PDF from editing, such as modifying text, images, etc.
• This ensures the integrity of the document and makes PDF non-editable.

5. Comments and Form-Filling Restrictions:

• It controls whether users can add comments or prevent filling out PDF form fields.
• This feature is commonly used for forms and collaboration documents.

How to Change Security Settings in PDF – 2 Methods

There are three major methods to change security settings in a PDF. Here, we’ll explore two effective approaches to update PDF security settings:

Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat DC

Adobe Acrobat DC is a powerful PDF editor that allows users to modify security settings effortlessly. Follow these steps to update PDF security settings:

1. Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat DC.
2. Navigate to the “File” menu and select “Properties.”
3. In the Properties dialog, access the “Security” tab.
4. Choose “Password Security” from the dropdown list.
5. Configure the desired security settings, such as password protection, printing restrictions, etc.
6. Set a password to protect the PDF file.
7. Confirm the password and apply the security settings by clicking “OK” twice.
8. Save the PDF to finalize the changes.

Method 2: Using PDF Locker Tool

PDF Lock Tool is a user-friendly tool designed to update security settings in PDF files seamlessly.

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Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Launch the application.
• Click “Add File” to import the PDF you want to update security settings for.

• Enter the current document-open password and go to the next window.
• Set a new password for the PDF.

• Click “Lock” to apply the updated security settings.

• Open the PDF and verify the changes in its properties.

Note: This tool can only change PDF security settings of user-level type. If the user wants to change password required to open the PDF, this tool is great. However, to change restrictions, it won’t work. It is more suitable to add restrictions to PDF file. 

Final Thoughts:

It is quite crucial to regularly change security settings in PDF files as per requirements. Whether users choose Adobe Acrobat DC or software, both methods offer reliable ways to update PDF security settings according to your specific needs.