Adding security to PDF files


    When saving artwork in PDF, you can add password protection and security restrictions, limiting not only who can open the file, but also who can copy or extract contents, print the document, and more.

    You can set the following options in the Security section of the Adobe PDF Options dialog box:

    Encryption Level

    Illustrator uses the RC4 method of security from RSA Corporation to password-protect PDF files. Depending on the Compatibility setting (in the General section), the encryption level will be high or low.

    Require a password to open the document

    Requires anyone who tries to open the PDF file to enter the password you specify.

    Document Open Password

    Sets the password to protect the PDF file. This option is only enabled when the previous option is selected.

    Note: If you forget a password, there is no way to recover it from the document. It's a good idea to store passwords in a separate secure location in case you forget them.

    Use a password to restrict editing Security and Permissions settings

    Restricts access to the PDF file's security settings. If the file is opened in Adobe Acrobat, the user can view the file but must enter the specified Permissions password in order to change the file's Security and Permissions settings. If the file is opened in Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, the user must enter the Permissions password, since it is not possible to open the file in a view-only mode.

    Permissions Password

    Sets the password to protect the PDF file. This option is only enabled when the previous option is selected.

    Printing Allowed

    Specifies the level of printing that users are allowed for the PDF document.

    • None prevents users from printing the document.
    • Low Resolution lets users print, but at a resolution that prevents the user from re-creating the PDF file with different security settings. Printing may be slower because each page will be printed as a bitmapped image. This option is only available for high (128-bit RC4) encryption.
    • High Resolution lets users print at any resolution, directing high-quality vector output to PostScript and other printers that support advanced high-quality printing features.

    Changes Allowed

    Defines which editing actions are allowed in the PDF document.

    • None to prevent the reader from making any changes to the document, including filling in signature and form fields.
    • Inserting, deleting, and rotating of pages to let users insert, delete, and rotate pages, and create bookmarks and thumbnails. This option is only available for high (128-bit RC4) encryption.
    • Filling in of form fields and signing to let users fill out forms and add digital signatures. This option doesn't allow them to add comments or create form fields.This option is only available for high (128-bit RC4) encryption.
    • Commenting, filling in of form fields, and signing to let users add comments, fill out forms, and add digital signatures. This option doesn't allow them to create form fields.
    • Page layout, filling in of form fields, and signing to let users insert, rotate, or delete pages and create bookmarks or thumbnail images, fill out forms, and add digital signatures. This option doesn't allow them to create form fields. This option is only available for low (40-bit RC4) encryption.
    • Any except extracting of pages to let users edit the document, create and fill out form fields, add comments, and add digital signatures.

    Enable copying of text, images, and other content

    Allows users to copy and extract content from the PDF. This option is only available for high (128-bit RC4) encryption.

    Enable text access of screen reader devices for the visually impaired

    Allows users to access content using software tools for the visually impaired. This option is only available for high (128-bit RC4) encryption.

    Enable plaintext metadata

    Allows users to copy and extract content from the PDF. This option is only available when Compatibility (in the General section) is set to Acrobat 6.0 (PDF 1.5).

    Enable copying of text, images, and other content and access for the visually impaired

    Allows users to copy and extract content from the PDF, as well as access content using software tools for the visually impaired. This option is only available for low (40-bit RC4) encryption.