How to restrict pdf file from copying and editing

[liuc63200477]

Hi, I am planning to sell PDF artwork online so my customers will be able to download and print files at home. I have set a password for my pdf files in Indesign to restrict editing. When I drag and drop the pdf file in Illustrator, it requires entering a password which is very good. However, it isn’t working with Preview (mac)! When I open Preview, there’s a thumbnail on the left bar where I can still drag and drop my work in Illustrator with all the layers. Does anyone know how to fix that? Thank you!!

[Ton Frederiks]

Unfortunately you can not prevent pdf viewers to ignore the security settings.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Which editing or export options does Preview offer for the pdf? 

[Ton Frederiks]

None

[c.pfaffenbichler]

So it’s a dead-end anyway? 

[Ton Frederiks]

Yes 😞

[Kurt Gold]

Can you remember the tiny all-aluminium bike locks that were popular in the sixties and seventies of the past century? They could be cracked with a pair of tweezers in ten seconds.

The same applies to current PDF "Security" settings.

[Ton Frederiks]

[Larry G. Schneider]

Nice visual, Ton 😉👍

[JonathanArias]

A password protected .pdf can be broken if you just open that .pdf with a web browser and save as with a different name.

If you are selling the art work, why would people edit it? Why are you doing the password protection?

[Kurt Gold]

Is that your property on the picture, Ton?

To be on the safe side I would pass the yellow gate on the left, just to conserve the yellow flowers at the right.

[Ton Frederiks]

No, Kurt. It was just a picture I saved for an occasion like this.

But this is where I live (the fenced has been fixed since the picture was taken).

[Kurt Gold]

There may be a weird darkroom behind that green door, but I'm pretty sure it is just a harmless tool shed or a storage for potatoes.

[Ton Frederiks]

I hope this doesn't spoil your fantasy...

[michelew83603738]

Nice!

[Kurt Gold]

This photo tremendously fires my imagination, Ton.

For sure, it is not recommendable to look at or into my brain at the moment.