How to add password to pdf file for opening, editing, printing, copying

If you want to share a secured or confidential pdf file, you would certainly want to protect it with a password so only trusted people with the password can open it.

Follow these steps to password protect a pdf.

⭐ Restrict opening or editing

1. Open the pdf file in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Click Tools > Protect > Protect Using Password.
3. Choose what protection you want under "Requires user to enter a password for" - viewing or editing.

Viewing: A password is required to view the pdf

Editing:  A password is required to edit the pdf

4. Enter the desired password in "Type Password" and "Re-type Password". Ensure you meet the password criteria and choose a strong hard to remember password.
5. Click Apply.

Remember the password as now the pdf can be opened only with the set password. You may also keep a copy which is not password protected.

⭐ Restrict copy, print

1. Open the pdf file.
2. Click Tools > Protect > More Options > Encrypt with Password.
3. Click File > Protect Using Password > More Options > Advanced Password Protection.
4. Click Yes, if prompted.
5. Check "Restrict Editing And Printing Of The Document. A password will be required in order to change these permissions settings.".
6. Select None option from "Printing Allowed" dropdown.
7. Select None option from "Changes Allowed" dropdown.
8. Provide the password.
9. Select the Encryption options as required.
10. Click OK > re-confirm password and click OK.

You may also apply restrictions on the pdf files using IRM features like Azure Information Rights Protection.

If correct encryption settings are selected, the pdf content and its metadata can also be hidden from search engines.