PrimoPDF is a great free way to convert nearly any file to PDF for safe, secure, and easy distribution. Many people don’t realize that you can do much more than simply create the PDF file, including adding passwords and restricting permissions to edit, view, print and more…
When you open PrimoPDF, there are two options you can select regardless of the type of output (Screen, eBook, Print, Prepress, or Custom)– Document Properties and PDF Security – for this tip, we’ll be focusing on PDF Security.
Once you’ve selected a desired output type, click the Change button in the PDF Security tab.In this window (pictured below), you have a number of options that provide varying levels of security, depending on the intended use and distribution of your PDF file.
- Password. One of the most basic forms of security, you can set your document to require a password of your selection,upon opening. This comes in handy for an internal document — issue a password to members of your department, or entire company; they can then open it and access the contents in full.
- Permissions. The permissions settings allow you to select varying levels of access, depending on the type of document.
- Password. You can set a separate password (in addition to one required for opening the document) for editing or extracting information from the document. You may wish to circulate your PDF file amongst a wider audience, allowing them to simply open and view the file, but also allow people within your organization greater access to edit, copy, or print.
- Printing.You can control whether or not the document can be printed; and even restrict printing to low-resolution – handy when circulating, for example, architectural plans or design documents.
- Changes. Control the level of editing access – ensure documents retain their original order and integrity by preventing the reader from extracting or deleting pages; allow form-filling and signatures; and allow commenting.
- Copying/text access. Check the box next to ‘Enable copying…’ to allow the reader to extract text from the document, or enable text access for screen-reader software so your PDF files are fully-accessible for the visually-impaired.
As you can see, PrimoPDF can do much, much more than just create PDF files. Be sure to check out our next tip on how to add document information to your completed PDF file.
If you’d like complete PDF security capabilities, you might like to check out Nitro PDF Professional’s capabilities.
