Illustrator security PDF

[Mike Richford]

How do you protect your PDF files when sending to a client to view only?

PDF security is useless.  It can be opened in Preview then resaved as PDF.

It is no longer password protected and can be opened in Illustrator

regards

Mike

[carlosgarro · Accepted solution]

Hi.

You need to set up these options:

Changes Allowed to None, disable copying as well.

[carlosgarro · Accepted solution]

Final options >>

[Mike Richford]

Carlos, thank you for correcting me.

Is this the best method for protecting files?

Regrads

Mike

[Monika Gause]

Anyone can hack this if they are able to do a Google search.

Is it necessary to send a PDF at all? Or is a JPEG sufficient?

[Mike Richford]

low rez jepeg pixelated when having to zoom in to view fine details.

larger rez then file size increases

But if PDF is not secure then i guess Jpeg is the best option

[carlosgarro]

I believe that nothing is 100% safe from being hacked in this day and age.

It is best to establish a contract with your client with very clear terms.

Think about it: If your client tries to "hack" your files, it is better to drop this client.

[jdanek]

Better you have an agreement in your contract that copying or printing is prohibited and subject to copyright infringement laws in accordance with the U.S. Copyright Office, Washington DC.  As previously discussed, it is very easy to copy what is on-screen.  To be safe, do not send anything online.  Print a hardcopy proof and have your client sign off ( sign, date, etc. ).  All of your original art, conceptuals, intelliectual property should be filed with the U.S. Copyright Office ( should anyone infringe on your copyright[s], it is much easier to sue in court ).

[Kurt Gold]

In case you are not living and working in the U.S., jdanek's advice may apply in many other regions of the earth, probably under some different conditions.

One thing is a bit astounding in my eyes: Similar "security" topics frequently appear in this (and other) forums. As for me, I have never experienced some strange situations like this one, such that purchasers would dastardly steal your work although there is a serious business relationship.

Really astounding, but I can imagine that it may happen.

[Nancy OShea]

Why not send them a flat, low-res JPG?  What's the worst they can do with that?