Protect PDF guide
What it is for
Protect creates a standard AES-256 password-protected PDF.
Before you start
Use a strong password and confirm you have authority to protect the document.
Step by step
- Choose a PDF.
- Enter the user password.
- Enter or retain the generated owner password.
- Choose reader permissions.
- Choose Protect PDF and test the download.
What you get
A PDF that compatible readers ask to unlock.
Good to know
There is no password recovery. Permission flags are advisory and readers interpret them differently.
Troubleshooting
- The tool will not run: enter a password.
- A reader ignores a permission: rely on the password for access control.
- You need to remove protection: use Unlock PDF with authorisation.