Restrict PDF permissions
Block printing, copying, editing or annotating a PDF — processed on your device, no file is uploaded.
Processed on your device — no file is uploaded to any server
Restricting PDF permissions lets you block printing, content copying, editing, or annotating on a PDF — while recipients can still open and read it normally, with no password required.
It's ideal for publishing documents, quotes, or drafts you want to keep intact, preventing text from being lifted or the file from being printed freely. Everything happens right in your browser on your device — your files are never uploaded to a server.
How to restrict print/copy/edit permissions on a PDF
- 1Select a PDF file
Drag and drop or click to choose a PDF that isn't password-protected.
- 2Choose which actions to block
Turn off the actions you want to block: printing, copying, editing, annotating. You can set an owner password to manage permissions later.
- 3Apply and download
Click Apply permissions, then download the PDF with the permissions applied.
Frequently asked questions
Does restricting permissions send my file over the internet?
Everything runs right in your browser — your files are never uploaded to any server, keeping them completely private.
Do recipients need a password to open it?
No. The file still opens normally; only the actions you blocked (print/copy/edit) are prevented in standards-compliant readers.
Are these permissions completely secure?
PDF permissions are a constraint defined by the ISO 32000 standard and honored by most readers, but they don't encrypt or lock the content. For stronger security, set an open password on the file.