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Caedmom
Caedmom
Participating Frequently
February 7, 2024
Question

HELP! Save a PDF form as "read only"

  • February 7, 2024
  • 1 reply
  • 1774 views

I am filling out a form invoice using Acrobat Pro. Once I've completed the invoice, I'd like to simply save it so it cannot be changed when I distribute it to others. I DO NOT want a password or complicated security certificate! Just a simple, uneditable PDF that can easily be opened, viewed and printed WITHOUT A PASSWORD. Why is this not a simple option?

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    1 reply

    try67
    Community Expert
    try67Community Expert
    Community Expert
    February 8, 2024

    Because it's not such a simple task. Sure, you can set the fields as read-only, or even flatten them, but unless you apply some kind of protection to the file anyone with Acrobat (or a similar PDF editor) will still be able to edit it quite easily. So it's a balance of effort vs. security. The more effort you put into protecting the file, the more secure it will be.

    The best way is to digitally sign it. That requires only a few clicks on your end (and none on the user's, unless they want to validate your signature), and will ensure the file is not edited (or at least allow you to prove it was, as the signature will be invalidated).

      Caedmom
      CaedmomAuthor
      Participating Frequently
      February 8, 2024
      Thank you. I wish Adobe would add back saving as “read only” as an option. Not every document needs security. Adding a signature isn’t ideal and changes the way the file looks on the recipient’s end. Even if you delete the actual signature, when the file is opened there’s an Adobe certification banner applied to it.
      try67
      Community Expert
      try67Community Expert
      Community Expert
      February 8, 2024

      Add it back? This was never an option.

      And if you remove the signature the application will not claim the file is saved.

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