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Participant
November 27, 2012
Answered

How to edit a read-only file?

  • November 27, 2012
  • 4 replies
  • 234310 views

PDF files that I used to be able to edit to are now suddenly read-only.  Across the top bar, it says "The file you have opened complies with the PDF/A standard and has been opened read-only to prevent modification." How do I change that so I can make edits? Under Security Properties, it says Signing and Filling Forms is allowed. I have Adobe Reader X.

Correct answer Bernd Alheit

In the preferences of Adobe Reader disable the PDF/A mode.

4 replies

Participant
August 12, 2024

I'm trying to edit a pdf that is a read only with no password or no option to unlock is that possible? If please help!

Arafin Sardar
Known Participant
February 12, 2022

 There is nothing to take tense about it is very simple to make it editable. If in some you can edit  it, you convert your pdf file into doc file by online. You can do it by many tools such like Smallseotool, smallpdf.com and ilovepdf.com are remarkable. 

Professional Product Photo Editor
Participant
January 19, 2017

I've suddenly developed the same problem.

When I open a PDF file, I used to be able to save my comments on that file.  Now, my Adobe only allows me to save it under a new name.  I do not want different versions of the same document.  I want one document with all the different comments.

I've changed the preferences as suggested in previous posts.

It hasn't made a difference.

I urgently need help with this problem

Bernd Alheit
Community Expert
Bernd AlheitCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
November 27, 2012

In the preferences of Adobe Reader disable the PDF/A mode.

paulm5931785
Participant
March 19, 2021

What about on mobile?

Known Participant
March 25, 2021

What is your issue with mobile?


My issue is with the mobile app as well. I secure my pdf files with the Edit > "Restrict Editing" password setting, which should disallow changing the document, document assembly and content copying, but allow printing, page extraction, filling out of forms, signing, etc. as shown on the Document Porperties dialog box's Security tab. Unfortunately, the Acrobat Reader iphone mobile app has never allowed my forms to be filled out without a password. The latest version of the app says the file is "read only" and when I click "fill and sign" it says "Protected document. This tool is not available because the document is password protected". I keep hoping they fix it. Is there a better way to add security and allow for filling out and printing that works with the mobile app?