A Portable Document Format or PDF is developed by Adobe to create a widely supported document format. It stores the data as text and images so you can create a more interactive document.
PDF is the most suitable document format for saving valuable information. It is ideal for sharing as it is compact and compatible with almost every device. Along with that, this document format provides you with options to protect your data while sharing.
You can enable password protection to your PDF file. Well, traditionally this was done using Adobe Acrobat only. Nowadays, you can also protect your PDF file using third-party tools. Let us learn the different types of password protection for a PDF file.
Password Protection on PDF files
The PDF file format allows you to enable two types of encryptions: User Password and Owner Password. Both these security parameters are for different purposes. Let us describe them.
User Password
A User Password is also known as an Open Password restricts the file opening. It prevents unauthorized users from accessing the data. Moreover, you can share the file with as many people as you want. Users with the correct open password can access the data but they cannot make any change in the file content. It is mainly used to open a PDF document is a password is set.
Owner Password
An Owner password is also known as the master password is required when you want to edit the file content. This password allows you to edit, modify, print, copy, extract data, and comment in a PDF file. With an owner password, you have complete access to the PDF file.
You can also enable both user password and owner password on a single PDF simultaneously. In such cases, you can open the file with either of the passwords. However, you will need the owner password to modify the file content or other user permissions.
Note: To open any password-protected PDF file document, users must to provide existing user password.
How to Enable Password Protection in a PDF File?
There are different tools to encrypt a PDF file. Here, we are describing the steps to enable passwords using adobe acrobat.
- Open the desired PDF file in Adobe Acrobat
- Now, click on the Tool button and then select the Protect icon.
- After that, click on the Encrypt button.
- Choose the Encrypt with Password option.
To Set a User Password
- Tick the Require a Password to open the document option.
- Next, enter the desired password in the Document open password field.
To Set an Owner Password
- Check the option below the permission section and select the permissions you want to enable.
- After that, enter your desired password in the Change Permission Password field.
- Click on the OK button to save the changes you made.
- After adding passwords, you need to enter these passwords once again for confirmation and press the OK button.
- A new pop-up will appear on the screen stating that save the file to activate the restrictions. Click on the OK button to close it.
You can activate password protection on any PDF file following the above steps. Also, you can use a third-party tool to enable these passwords.
Advanced Solution to Protect PDF Files
DRS PDF Password Protection Tool is an easy and effective solution to protect the PDF file. You can enable both user password and owner password to the file without using Adobe acrobat. Also, the software is equipped with the latest features. Thus, it is the best way to secure your PDF files with restrictions.
Conclusion
User password or open password prevents any random user from accessing a PDF document. While the owner password restricts edit, modify, copy, extract, and comment in a PDF file. Both the passwords are essential for different purposes. The best option to enable these passwords on a PDF file is the DRS PDF Password Protection Tool.
