How to password protect a PDF

The safeguarding of classified documents is very critical. The strategy of password-protecting your PDFs is the added layer of security upon unauthorised access. When dealing with highly confidential documents or personal data, protecting them with a password is a great idea. 

That said, if you’re worrying about How to password protect a PDF on your laptops and desktops,  and whether you need particular software like Adobe Acrobat for it, we have all the answers you need. Read on. 

Password protecting a PDF using Adobe Acrobat

Step 1: For opening your PDF file, use Adobe Acrobat. In the absence of Adobe Acrobat, you can install it from the official website.

Step 2: Click on the “File” menu and then select “Protect Documents Using Password.” This feature might vary with the exact Acrobat version you’re using.

Step 3: Now select “Encrypt with Password.” Here, enter your password in the box provided. Select uncommon and strong cast of characters. 

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Step 4: Enter your password again. Make sure you verify this before you log in. To do this, check for any mistakes and make sure your passwords match.

Step 5: Set custom parameters if required. Adobe Acrobat program provides an additional level for the protection of your documents. It can be used to limit the options of the others by preventing them from editing, printing, and/or copying of your files. After you think the parameters are finished, press the OK button and then click on the 

Step 6: Click on the Save button. The PDF that you were working on is now secured with your password.

Password protecting a PDF without Adobe Acrobat

If you do not have access to Adobe Acrobat, don’t be anxious because there are other ways to strengthen your PDF copy.

Method 1

Online tools arguably top the list when it comes to digital marketing tactics that businesses can use. There are many online resources that limit the use of software installations and only require password protected PDF. Make sure that you upload your PDF to a reputable platform online. Set a password and download a copy of the secured PDF.

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Method 2

In the event that you have Microsoft Word on your computer, you will be able to convert your PDF into a Word document and then password protect it. To do this, open the PDF in Word, use the “File” tab, and then click the “Save As” button. Change the extension to match with Word file format. Please log in by carrying out the password procedure via the selected option as File> Info> Protect Document.

Method 3

The Preview tool on Mac is a beautifully-designed app, which helps you manage documents, pictures, media files, and so on. Mac users have an opportunity to use the Preview app which comes with the accessibility of changing the password protecting a PDF.

In Preview, click on “File” and export as PDF, afterward checking the box “Encrypt”.

Set your password, if you haven’t already, and save the document.

Tips to keep in mind

There are two very important things to keep in mind when password protectinga PDF.

1. Use a strong password

Use the mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols as the password. Instead of using easily guessable information including birthdays and common words, use complex passwords for added security Also, do not include secure and sensitive details that can expose your identity.

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2. Store passwords safely

Make sure to put the passwords somewhere safe where they can be retrieved; however, the PDF files should not be the place where they are written. However, practicing these steps and having strong passwords practices will help you strengthen the protection of your digital data and have peace of mind in your digital days.