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December 4, 2017
Answered

How do I print an encrypted PDF file .... to PDF

  • December 4, 2017
  • 12 replies
  • 69471 views

I have finished making a form fillable PDF.  I want to put some restrictions on the form, so that end users cannot edit the forms or add additional text/move text around.  When the users complete the form, I want them to be able to print the document to PDF.  My current encryption is as follows:

Printing = allowed at high resolution

Changes Allowed = filling in form fields and signing existing signature fields

Right now, when I print the document to a printer, there is no issue.  But, when I print the document to PDF, I get the following message:

%%[ ProductName: Distiller ]%%

This PostScript file was created from an encrypted PDF file.

Redistilling encrypted PDF is not permitted.

%%[ Flushing: rest of job (to end-of-file) will be ignored ]%%

%%[ Warning: PostScript error. No PDF file produced. ] %%

I have read countless posts about not being able to print an encrypted PDF file to PDF, but that just is not accurate.  I use form fillable PDFs all the time.  Those PDFs have encryption, yet I can somehow print them to PDF.

This is beyond frustrating, so I figured I would ask to see if anyone knew how to make this work.

Thanks!  

Correct answer Test Screen Name

This is working exactly as designed, even if someone has found a loophole. Adobe will not change it.

12 replies

Brainiac
December 4, 2017

why do you want to print PDF To PDF? Why would others? The chances are there is a better way.

December 4, 2017

It's a form fillable PDF.  Once the user completes the form, they need to be able to print it to PDF ... so that the fields go away, and it just looks like a regular PDF document.  Just saving it to PDF won't work, because all of the fields will be in view. 

Test Screen NameCorrect answer
Brainiac
December 4, 2017

This is working exactly as designed, even if someone has found a loophole. Adobe will not change it.

New Participant
January 3, 2025

Why does it say that this is the correct answer when it clearly is not? The correct answers (and there are a few of them) are further down the line. I will list them here for anyone else that comes here seeking an actual solution to this issue:

 

1. You can "print" the encrypted fillalbe PDF as a flattened PDF by using the MicroSoft PDF printer rather than the Adobe PDF printer.

 

2. You can "print" the encrypted fillalbe PDF as a flattened PDF by opening the encrypted fillable PDF online via the Chrome browser (or probably any other browser), and then printing to PDF from there.

 

3. You can "print" the encrypted fillalbe PDF as a flattened PDF using the Adobe PDF printer by clicking "Advanced," next to the printer drop down menu, once you have the print window open, and then choose the box for "Print as Image."

 

Your welcome!

New Participant
May 26, 2025

oh snap