Skip to main content
Caedmom
Caedmom
Participating Frequently
August 16, 2023
Question

How do I PDF so it can be "read only"

  • August 16, 2023
  • 1 reply
  • 1918 views

I'm not sure why this is so difficult. I created a PDF form in Acrobat Pro, filled in some fields and now want to save it as a PDF that is not editable (read only) but can still be printed. If I go to "Protect", I cannot find a way to simply do this without creating a password or certificate, which I do not want. Why this isn't simply an option under the "save as" function is ridiculous. Am I missing something? Please help!

    This topic has been closed for replies.

    1 reply

    try67
    Community Expert
    try67Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 16, 2023

    There are various ways of doing it, depending on the level of security you want to have.

    The easiest and most secure way is to digitally sign the file, making sure to tick the "Lock document after signing" box.

    Caedmom
    CaedmomAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    August 16, 2023

    Is there a way to create a read only PDF that doesn't have my signature visible on it?

    try67
    Community Expert
    try67Community Expert
    Community Expert
    August 16, 2023

    The signature can be hidden.

    Other options are to flatten the file, set the fields as read-only or protect it using a security policy.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices