Participating Frequently

Question

Editable PDFs with ability to remotely disable or set file expiration

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
May 28, 2020
4 replies
2098 views

I want to create PDF files that can remain edtiable in Acrobat Pro DC, but that can eitehr be revoked/disabled by remotely or at least to set an expiraton date for the file, at which point, it is no longer usable. There are DRM platforms (LockLizard for one) that allow control over the document remotely, but either disable all editing function or are too expensive for my application. Any suggestions?

This topic has been closed for replies.

Thom Parker

Community Expert

There is a simpler, cheaper solution, but it is only secure to the "less than technically savvy". You can read about it here:

https://www.pdfscripting.com/public/Lite-Document-Security-Description.cfm

Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often

stuarth4626232Author

Participating Frequently

Thom, I wonder if we can talk about creating a custom solution. Would you be open to that?

T

Test Screen Name

Legend

You should be aware that if you want a custom solution based on Acrobat Reader plug-ins, the developer will need to pay Adobe for this on a sliding scale starting at $25,000 per year.

T

Test Screen Name

Legend

Adobe have a DRM solution, part of Adobe Experience Manager (AEM). Price is by negotiation but the word is "5-6 figures per year". That might meet your definition of "too expensive" I suspect.

But your idea of a "DRM file that is editable" doesn't seem like it could fly at all anyway.

stuarth4626232Author

Participating Frequently

Yes, it seems disabling editing functionality is part of the definition of DRM as it relates to PDFs. Thank you for your reply.

try67

Community Expert

Without DRM this is impossible.

stuarth4626232Author

Participating Frequently

Unfortunately, CRM and editability seem to be incompatible, though.

Dov Isaacs

Legend

Be aware that systems such as LockLizard actually convert PDF to their own proprietary PDC format that must be viewed with their own viewer. PDC files are not PDF files.

- Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)

stuarth4626232Author

Participating Frequently

Is there a direct solution within Acrobat to either cause a PDF file to expire or disabled if my client's license of my content expires?

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded