How to Save PDF as Read-Only by Default

[elainesforum]

I have Acrobat Reader DC, and when saving a document to a PDF I need to be able to save PDF's by default as non-editable/read only, which it used to do automatically.   Is there any way to do this without purchasing a subscription?  I occasionally save MS Word documents or fillable forms to PDFs that can't be editable, and I don't want to pay a monthly fee for services that I would rarely use. 

Thank you!

[AnandSri · Accepted solution]

Hello Elainesforum,

You can implement the restriction of Editing a PDF and make it Read-only file using Acrobat application Protect PDF files with permissions |

Adobe Reader is a freeware application and used to view, sign, print and annotate PDF files, but you cannot add security settings in a PDF file using Adobe Reader.

For this, you need to subscribe to Acrobat license/subscription. For detailed information, Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Acrobat DC

Feel free to update this discussion for further assistance.

Thanks,

Anand Sri.

[elainesforum]

Thank you! I'll subscribe to an Acrobat license then.