Protect a PDF with a Password?

There may be times when you want to send a PDF to someone, but you don’t want just anyone to be able to open or edit the document. To ensure that only the intended recipients are able to open or edit your PDF, you can assign a password to your exported document. When using the File > Export option (see pages 249 and 250 for more on exporting to PDF), make sure you click on the Security tab in the Export Adobe PDF dialog. Place a check mark next to Require a password to open the document, and enter a password in the field below (make sure you remember it!). This prevents anyone other than a password holder from opening the document. In the Permissions field of that same dialog, you can also add a password to restrict printing, editing, and other tasks. Again, check the box for that option, and then decide on the level of control a password holder can have in terms of editing and/or printing. When you are happy with the security of your document, click Export.