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Inspiring
April 26, 2023
Question

Password protected pdf won't open even with correct password

  • April 26, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 814 views

I password protected a pdf , sent it to a proof reader, they used "Preview" to add comments.  saved, sent back and now noone can open it.  any suggestions? 

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3 replies

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 27, 2023

Hi @DexAlpenglow:

 

I wonder if the file was corrupted? You might want to encourage your co-worker to add markups using the free Adobe Reader and avoid Preview and other third party apps in the future. The Adobe apps were designed to work together. https://get.adobe.com/reader/

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
BobLevine
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 27, 2023

Why did you password-protect it in the first place? I hate to sound cold but this is just another reason not to bother with PDF security. It doesn't work anyway as there are way too many ways around it.

 

The answer here is to simply create a new version from the original InDesign document.

Barb Binder
Community Expert
Community Expert
April 26, 2023

Hi @DexAlpenglow:

 

We've all been told that third party apps can bypass the password but I have never tried it myself. My understanding is that it depends on the encryption level. You might want to start here: https://smallpdf.com/unlock-pdf.

 

~Barb

~Barb at Rocky Mountain Training
Inspiring
April 27, 2023
Thank you. That website did not work even though I have the password.