Restrict printing, editing, and copying PDFs

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to restrict users from making changes to your PDF using Adobe Acrobat.

Select All tools > Protect a PDF.

From the left pane, select Encrypt with Password and select Yes in the confirmation dialog box.

Select Restrict editing and printing of the document under Permissions.

Enter a password in the Change Permissions Password field.

The Password Security  - Settings dialog box displays the following settings: Document Open, Permissions, and Options. The Permissions setting allows users to set a password to control editing, printing, and copying.
The password strength indicator shows if your password is weak, medium or strong.

From the Printing Allowed dropdown menu, select any of the following option:

  • None: Prevents printing.
  • Low Resolution: Allows printing at up to 150 dpi.
  • High Resolution: Allows printing at any resolution.

From the Changes Allowed dropdown menu, select what users can modify:

  • None
  • Inserting, deleting, and rotating pages
  • Filling form fields and signing
  • Commenting, filling forms, and signing
  • Any except extracting pages

Select any additional options as needed:

  • Enable copying of text, images, and other content
  • Enable text access for screen reader devices

Select OK. In the dialog box that opens, re-enter permission password and then select OK