Adobe password protection NOT working

[rebeccar82265221]

I make digital products using clip and sell them online so I have always password protected my documents so that no one can copy-paste the clip art I purchased. I happened to trial this and found that even though I save the changes and follow the Adobe procedure on how to secure documents, that I can still copy-paste from my document - so the security settings that I put in place aren't working. Furthermore, when I go back in to the PDF, all of the changes I made are gone. I tested this on other people's products and can do the same - copy and paste from their password protected documents. FUNNY thing is, I had a colleague with the same Adobe software trial this and she COULD NOT do it. Any ideas? Do I have a magical version of Adobe? I'm very worried that my own work can be copied.

[try67]

After applying the password, did you make sure to save the file, close it

and then re-open it?

Also, you should be aware that such security is easily overcome. Do NOT

count on it to protect your work.

[rebeccar82265221]

Yes I did follow that procedure. I've been using the same method for 2 years now and in the past when I re-opened the file and tried to edit or copy-paste it pops up to try the password, but now that isn't the case anymore and it seems that any document I open isn't secure for ME, but it is for other people????

[Bernd Alheit]

Don't open the file in Apple Preview.

[Test Screen Name]

nor any browser. You need to use Adobe software that respects the password.

[rebeccar82265221]

Thanks for the suggestion, I am opening it with Adobe DC though, not Apple Preview.

[Bernd Alheit]

Can you share a sample file?

[rebeccar82265221]

I can't see an option to upload a PDF -  but I have tried this with about 6 other 'sellers' by downloading a free resource that they make. I am able to copy-paste their clip art, but a friend with the same Adobe could not. All of us know that we are supposed to protect our work, which is why I'm wondering if there is a a glitch/bug with my version.

[Bernd Alheit]

rebeccar82265221  wrote

I can't see an option to upload a PDF -  ...

You can use Tools > Send & Track and post the link.

[rebeccar82265221]

https://forums.adobe.com/people/Bernd+Alheit  wrote

rebeccar82265221   wrote

I can't see an option to upload a PDF -  ...

You can use Tools > Send & Track and post the link.

I'm sorry Bernd, I'm not sure where to locate that on my toolbar. I hate to be a burden - is this the only place to get Adobe support? I have searched for an email or phone and can't find it.

[Bernd Alheit]

In Adobe Acrobat:

1. mouse click on Tools
2. mouse click on Send & Track

[rebeccar82265221]

This is what I save - and close -

This is what happens after I open the document.

[Test Screen Name]

There is no option to upload a PDF. You would need to share it on your own site or a file sharing site and upload a link.

Protecting your work is impossible. Only token inconveniences.

What I'm most interested in is your statement "when I go back in to the PDF, all of the changes I made are gone". Please give more details on this, it might uncover more.

[rebeccar82265221]

Yes, so I save and review the security options. It shows me what is 'allowed' - e.g. printing, and what is 'not allowed' - e.g.copying content.

So then I press 'save'. Close the file, reopen the file and review the changes and when I click on the security settings it hasn't applied.

This error is only recent. I always double check my work to make sure that people can't right-click copy, and now all these little glitches are happening that I cannot explain.

I do have samples on a website (Teachers Pay Teachers), but you'd have to log in and create a username.

[Test Screen Name]

Hmm. Also, please try this to double check the software.

Immediately after you see the security has not changed, without switching app...

Windows: Go Help > About Acrobat or About Acrobat Reader

Mac: Go Acrobat > About Acrobat or About Acrobat Reader

Please tell us the exact version shown (e.g. 2016.124.13434) and which Acrobat product it shows.

[rebeccar82265221]

[rebeccar82265221]

Interestingly it always said SECURED on the PDFs, but now every single PDF I open it doesn't say it on my computer, but I had two different people check the same the PDF and their version does say SECURED. It's like my version isn't acknowledging that it was secured, hence why I can copy-paste and they can't. Really strange!

[Test Screen Name]

Oh, so you're running an old version. Still supported, but not many of us are using that old version: mostly we're on subscriptions. Still, security did work.

One thing to check: set security and save TO YOUR DESKTOP. Close, quit. Reopen the file from the desktop. DON'T USE THE RECENT FILE LIST. What do you see?

[rebeccar82265221]

Well it doesn't say SECURED, which in the past in would. So because I bought the one-off version, the smart thing to do would be pay a  monthly subscription and potentially avoid all of this?

[Test Screen Name]

I dont think we can say you’d avoid anything. Most problems aren’t bugs in the software. But when we try to reproduce your problem it’s easier for everyone if we all have the same version.

Please don’t look for the word Secured. Please only check the actual security properties. What do you see before saving? What do you see after closing and re-opening?