Set which actions a compatible PDF reader should allow, such as printing, copying text or modifying pages. This tool re-encrypts your PDF on our conversion server. Permission flags rely on reader support and are not a guarantee against copying.
How to set PDF permissions
- Choose one PDF you own or have permission to modify. If it is encrypted, enter the current password needed to read it.
- Select the actions to allow. Disabling document modifications also disables annotations, form filling and page assembly. The disabled choices become available again if you allow modifications.
- Enter a private owner password that is different from the user password. Optionally set a user password to require a password on opening; leaving that field blank allows anyone to open the file.
- Select Apply permissions and download. Open the resulting copy as a reader, using the user password if set, and check the permissions in your intended PDF application.
What the permission choices mean
Printing controls printed output; copying controls ordinary text and graphic extraction. Accessibility extraction may still be allowed. Page assembly covers operations such as rotating or reordering pages.
Document modification is a master setting here: turning it off also blocks annotations, form filling and assembly in conforming readers. With it enabled, you can adjust those additional choices. PDF readers may interpret overlapping form and annotation permissions differently, so test your workflow.
For a reference handout, you might allow printing while disabling copying and document modifications. If you need recipients to fill a form, keep modifications enabled, allow form filling and verify the downloaded form in their reader.
Keep the owner password separate
A conforming reader allows the owner password to override restrictions. Sharing it with readers defeats the intended separation, even if the copying or printing boxes are unchecked. This tool requires a non-empty owner password different from the opening password.
A blank user password does not keep the contents private: anyone can open the file. Add a user password when you also want to restrict access. Permission controls do not securely remove content, prevent screenshots or bind every PDF application.
Server processing and output checks
Applying permissions uploads the PDF, new passwords and any current password to the conversion service. Selection and the source preview happen locally. The hosted PDF limit is currently 5 MB; check the displayed limit before uploading.
The output is a rewritten, encrypted copy. Existing digital signatures will not remain valid. Keep the original and inspect forms, pages and reader permissions before distributing the result. Use the retention policy to decide whether server processing suits your document.
Frequently asked questions
Why is an owner password required if anyone can open the PDF?
Opening access and reader permissions are separate. With a blank user password, the PDF opens freely, while a separate owner password is used for full access in readers that enforce permissions.
Will disabling copying make the document impossible to copy?
No. A reader may ignore permission flags, and screenshots or manual copying remain possible. Redact content properly before sharing if recipients must not see it.
Why did the form and annotation controls become disabled?
You disabled document modifications. That master choice blocks these actions as well. Turn modifications back on to restore and adjust the individual choices.