Time limits on reading pdf

[AR_2646]

Is there a feature/setting whereby one can limit the amount of time that someone can read or review a pdf? Like... granting access for two hours, then it is no longer available. Thank you. 

[kandy_8862]

Hello!

Yes, you can absolutely limit the amount of time someone can read a PDF, but not with a standard, unprotected file. To do this, you need to use a Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution. These specialized services work by encrypting the PDF and controlling access through a license. You can set the document to expire after a certain time period (e.g., two hours after it's first opened), on a specific date, or after it's been viewed a set number of times. The DRM software acts as a secure viewer, checking the license to ensure the user still has permission before allowing them to view the document, and will automatically lock it down when the time limit is reached. 

[Hidden spam link removed. Post it again and you'll be banned!]

[AnandSri]

Hello @AR_2646

I hope you are doing well, and thanks for reaching out.

++ In addition to what was shared in the previous response, if you're looking to limit how long someone can access or read a PDF—like granting access for just two hours—Adobe Acrobat doesn't currently offer a built-in feature to automatically expire access after a set time. However, there are a few workarounds depending on your needs: 

Adobe Document Cloud Sharing (Manual Expiry): 
You can share a PDF via Adobe Document Cloud and manually revoke access after a set time. While this isn’t automatic, it gives you control over who can view the file and when to disable access. To learn more, see this article: https://adobe.ly/41u1pV0

https://adobe.ly/3HjxSGH

To learn more about the Digital Rights Management (DRM) Tools, see this article: https://adobe.ly/4m1t4Vy.

I hope this helps.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.