The most efficient way to make a PDF read-only is to use Adobe Acrobat. With this program, you can easily and quickly set up restrictions to ensure that PDF files can’t be printed, copied or edited without authentication.
Before getting into the detailed steps, it is worth mentioning that the steps for making a PDF read-only may vary depending on the version of Adobe Acrobat you are using. In this article, we will show you how to do this using Acrobat Pro DC, the latest version at the time of writing this guide.
Steps to Make a PDF Read-Only:
1. Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro DC and then click File in the Upper left corner and then select Properties.
2. In the pop-up window, click the Security tab and then select Password Security.
3. Under “Security Method,” select the option “Restrict Editing and Printing of the document.”
4. You can also choose to add a password to ensure your document remains secure. To do this, check the box next to “Require a Password to open the document” and add the password.
5. Finally, click OK and save the document once you are done.
After following these steps, your PDF document should now be secure and read-only. No one can edit, print or copy the content, unless they have the right permission and password (if added).