Limit access to a PDF

You can limit access to a PDF file by setting a Document Open password, which requires a user to type the correct password to open it. You can encrypt a single PDF file, components of a PDF Portfolio, or an entire PDF Portfolio.

Note: you are not allowed to change or remove the security settings of a signed/certified document. To add a password, you have to clear all signature fields by choosing Form > Advanced > Reset Form Fields or use a then-created Reset Form button.

Managing password security

1. Open a PDF file and choose Home > Security> Encryption > Open Password.

2. Upon receiving a prompt, click Yes to allow changing the security settings of the document.

3. In the Password dialog box, , type the password in the Document Open Password field and click OK.

4. At the prompt to confirm the Document Open Password, retype the password in the field and then click OK.

Note: we recommend always keeping a backup of the encrypted PDF file in case you forget the correct password. You cannot retrieve password from the PDF.

View the security method applied to a PDF

In the Document Properties dialog box, you can view which type of security method is currently in effect.

1. Open a PDF file. If the document is encrypted with password-based security, you have to type in the document open password to open and view the PDF.

2. Do one of the following to open the Document Properties dialog box:

• • Click the Document Properties/Preferences shortcuts and select Document Properties….

  • Choose File > Info > More Properties.

3. On the Security tab, the Security Method menu shows either No Security or Password Security.

4. click OK.