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liuc63200477
Participant
May 13, 2021
Answered

How to restrict pdf files from copying and editing

  • May 13, 2021
  • 1 reply
  • 1449 views

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!!

 
    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Steve Werner

    I'm afraid that trying to secure a PDF file so it can't be edited is a hopeless endeavor. There is no way to do it. There are hundreds of PDF readers, many of which ignore the password. There are also lots of utilities on the Internet which will allow anyone to open a PDF file. 

    1 reply

    Steve Werner
    Community Expert
    Steve WernerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 13, 2021

    I'm afraid that trying to secure a PDF file so it can't be edited is a hopeless endeavor. There is no way to do it. There are hundreds of PDF readers, many of which ignore the password. There are also lots of utilities on the Internet which will allow anyone to open a PDF file. 

      Geоrge
      Geоrge
      Legend
      May 13, 2021

      >> I'm afraid that trying to secure a PDF file so it can't be edited is a hopeless endeavor. 

      Steve is right. Even if you think that he not right — somewhere Russian hackers thinks as Steve.

       

      https://www.elcomsoft.com/apdfpr.html

      Remember, never say you can't do something in InDesign, it's always just a question of finding the right workaround to get the job done. © David Blatner
        BobLevine
        Community Expert
        BobLevineCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        May 13, 2021

        Um, what's the point here?

        Steve is right...the only way to protect a PDF is to not share it. 

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