Skip to main content
C
cathykka
Inspiring
February 10, 2026
Question

Print password protected pdf

  • February 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 39 views

I have exhausted all trouble shooting options I can find. I the past I have been able to password protect a pdf to allow LO RES PRINTING and no copying. This is/was essential for my workflow as a graphic designer.

Now, when I password protect. Select the options and save. The PDF will not print.
It throws a warning and prints blank pages.

HELP I  need a solution fast.

 

    1 reply

    Randy Hagan
    Community Expert
    Randy HaganCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    February 10, 2026

    If you’re using the default File>Protect Using Password menu command in Acrobat Pro, I’d suggest you instead use the File>Properties… menu command.

    In the resulting dialog box, go to the Security tab and then change the Security Method: options box to Password Security. This opens a second dialog box that lets you first select the Restrict editing and printing of the document… check box in the Permissions section, then choose Low Resolution (150 dpi) in the Printing Allowed: options box.

    It’s a few more steps, but going this route will give you the granular controls you’re looking for. I tested this on my 300 dpi laser printer, and confirmed on my end that this course of action may work well for you.

     

    Hope this helps,

     

    Randy

      C
      cathykkaAuthor
      Inspiring
      February 10, 2026

      Yes. Thankyou… that is my normal workflow.
      I also tried all this.
      Remove security, print, then reapply security > NO
      Print as Image (Advanced > Print as Image in print dialog) > Not an option for me.
      Set "Printing Allowed" to "High Resolution" when applying security > NO
      Set "Printing Allowed" to "Low Resolution (150 dpi)" instead of None > NO
      Close and reopen the PDF after applying security  > NO
      Use File > Save As with new filename after applying security  > NO
      Reset Acrobat preferences (hold Ctrl+Shift or Cmd+Option+Shift while launching)  > NO
      Check for Acrobat updates (Help > Check for Updates) > Had the current
      Use Preview (Mac) to apply security instead  > Yes in Preview. No in Acrobat. No in Foxit.
      Use PDFtk (command line tool) to apply security > NO
      Export from InDesign with security settings built in (File > Export > Security tab) > NO 
      Download free Adobe Acrobat Reader to test if it prints > Can't on my computer because I have cloud unless I want to logout of everything > crappy workflow
      Test printing from second computer with only Reader > NO
      Try third-party readers: Foxit PDF Reader > NO

      Finally,
      Last Resort Worked :( Should have just started here 

      Unistall all Acrobat
      Reinstall Acrobat via Creative Cloud
      hesitated.. cause I have some custom sequences I am using that took time. Just copied that folder may try to add back.
       

      Randy Hagan
      Community Expert
      Randy HaganCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 10, 2026

      I’m sorry it came to that. 

      I was hopeful because I went through the steps I outlined above and got the results I was expecting and you were hoping for. It stinks, but sometimes nothing works short of the rude cure you went through to fix your issue.

      While I’m sorry you had to go so far to get things working smoothly again, I am glad that you found a way past your issues.

       

      Randy

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