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
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Open a PDF file and choose Home > Security> Encryption > Open Password.
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Upon receiving a prompt, click Yes to allow changing the security settings of the document.
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In the Password dialog box, , type the password in the Document Open Password field and click OK.
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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.
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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.
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Do one of the following to open the Document Properties dialog box:
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On the Security tab, the Security Method menu shows either No Security or Password Security.
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click OK.