How to print protect a PDF file

To disallow printing of a PDF document, you’ll need to open your file in Acrobat X Std. or Pro. Click on the Tools pane and open the Protection panel. Select More Protection and click on Security Properties. This will bring up the Document Properties dialog with the Security Tab open. First, you’ll need to select Password Security from the Security Method dropdown. In this dialog you can select a password to open a document, which requires everyone that opens your file to know the password. Or, under the permissions section, you can restrict certain features in your PDF document such as printing. To disallow printing, check the Restrict editing and printing of document box. You’ll need to enter a password and then select None from the Printing Allowed dropdown. When you click OK, you’ll be prompted to re-enter your password.

You’ll also need to save the file before the security settings take effect. And then, to confirm your security settings, simply select the lock icon in the Navigation pane and look at the Permission Details. Anyone that opens your print-protected file will now see the print icon in the toolbar is grayed out and will no longer be able to use the keyboard shortcuts to print the file.

Requirements: Adobe Acrobat Std. or Pro.