PDF documents have a consistent appearance across all platforms, which is the primary reason PDF files are the most preferred document-sharing format. However, one of the user’s significant concerns is to prevent editing or modifying PDF content. In case you are transferring legal documents, official reports, invoices, or educational materials. Here, you might seek how to make PDF non editable. Follow this guide to make PDF read only without delay. So, let’s dive in to discover the stepwise guidance.
What Does “Make a PDF Non-Editable” Mean?
To make a PDF non-editable is to prevent users from changing the content of the document, which includes text, images, annotations, and form fields. The document can still be viewed by users, but cannot be changed, that is,s unless they have proper authorization. Moreover, it is a kind of document security that secures the information from tampering or misuse.
Making the non-editable PDF ensures data protection when sharing it online. It is primarily used for sensitive documents, such as financial reports, business records, legal contracts, and other confidential materials. Here, the chances of tampering with facts are quite high. Applying non-editable protection makes it easier to secure information.
Below is the breakdown of non-editable PDF document:
- Editing Restrictions: No modifications will be permitted to the text, pictures, or layout.
- Read-Only Mode: The user can see the document but cannot make any edits.
- Owner Password Protection: A password is required to change permissions or edit content.
By making a PDF non-editable, the document is ensured to remain exactly as the author intended. Moreover, it is highly recommended for safeguarding the secret PDF files in batch mode. Now, you might be wondering about the methods, so dive in to find out the complete step-by-step guide.
How to Make a PDF Uneditable Using Online Tools
If you’re wondering how to make PDF non editable, use the free online tools. Many online solutions are available for securing PDF files. The uneditable PDF security is a kind of PDF owner password that locks the document. In other words, this protection allows creators to control the PDF access, preventing anyone from accessing, editing, or copying the data.
Moreover, this security is helpful for ensuring data protection when sharing it with teams or multiple users. Here, you can provide legitimate access to who can see or what users can do on PDF files. Using online tools, document creators can apply different owner protection to make a PDF non editable. There is no need for software installation. Hence, the process remains online. Now, follow the steps on how to make PDF not editable using online tools:
- Start with visiting any online solution on PC.
- Drop the PDF document into the software interface.
- Check out the security > apply it > tab Lock button.
Online tools are free and useful for users. Without sign-ups or offline tool installation, you can make the PDF non editable. Beyond the benefits, there are major limitations; let’s find them below:
- Free online solutions aren’t a secure choice. Uploading the data to third-party platforms expands the risk of data compromise or leakage.
- The online tools are either based on credit points or require plan upgradation for batch processing or managing the large PDFs.
- Finally, there are major issues with formatting. Moreover, the tools aren’t capable of maintaining both file privacy and metadata.
How to Make PDF Non Editable - Try Adobe Acrobat Tool
After the online tools, if you’re still wondering how to make a PDF uneditable, Adobe Acrobat Pro software is a secure method. Using this solution, you can easily protect multiple PDF files at once. Compared to an online tool, the software is more reliable and offers a range of features that meet your industrial standards. Moreover, it allows you to apply both the owner's and user's PDF passwords.
Additionally, the software provides other benefits, including a navigational interface and advanced features. Moreover, you just need to upload the document to make it non-editable. Now, follow the steps to make PDF not editable using Adobe:
- Start by opening the Adobe Acrobat Pro tool on your machine.
- Look for the File feature and then, Tool > click Encrypt.
- Go to Password Protect under the Security drop-down.
- Enable the different types of owner permissions.
- Finally, press OK and then save to download the PDF.
Adobe Acrobat Pro software is secure and trustworthy for all. But it requires a subscription. Moreover, the plans aren’t flexible for everyone. Besides this, the interface is quite complex, preventing users from making the PDF non editable effortlessly.
How to Make a PDF Uneditable Using SysTools PDF Pro Tool
To make PDF not editable, try SysTools PDF Lock Software for Windows or macOS. Using this software, you can quickly lock a PDF from editing, copying, printing, and more. Moreover, the software supports all types of PDF permissions, allowing you to secure the document from misuse. Most importantly, it is capable of creating a password-protected PDF.
The above solutions won’t offer advanced features in a cost-effective pricing structure. This makes the software an all-in-one solution for everyone. So, download the utility on your machine and make PDF uneditable. Now, follow the quick stepswise guide:
- Firstly, download the SysTools mentioned software on your machine.
- “Add Files or Folders” option for uploading the files instantly.
- Tab Change to browse the location and press Next.
- Go to “Apply Document Restrictions” and enable the security.
- Finally, press the Lock button to make PDF non editable.
Conclusion
In the above, we have shared methods on how to make PDF non editable. Using these ways, you can make the PDF document non-ediable. Compared to all the methods, SysTools is the best choice for instantly protecting PDF files. Moreover, it allows you to safeguard the data from tampering when sharing among the team.