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Restricting the number of copies someone can print.

Forum Index > Security > Restricting the number of copies someone can print.
2009-11-12 09:37:49
uktraining
Registered: Nov 12 2009
Posts: 2

Hi,

I'm pretty new to Acrobat.

We are currently in the process of offering a PDF version of a book online. We want to restrict the amount of copies of the book someone can print. Is there any way to limit the amount of times someone can print a PDF to just one?

Also is there anyway to stop the PDF being distributed by the person who downloaded it? i.e prevent it from being in used in email attachments.

Sorry if these are stupid questions!

Thanks in advance,

David

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2009-11-12 15:32:21
#1
pddesigner
Registered: Jul 9 2006
Posts: 858
You have several options, each require some study and evaluation.

1. In Acrobat, you can create a user security policy or set a password to open, or print the eBook.

2. Read these two knowledge base articles which have links to more information.

http://www.adobe.com/products/livecycle/rightsmanagement/

http://learn.adobe.com/wiki/display/security/Document+Library

My favorite quote - "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.

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2009-11-12 20:16:42
#2
UVSAR
Expert
Registered: Oct 29 2008
Posts: 1357
Sorry folks, but the answer to both those is a resounding no, and has been every time someone asks (which they do a lot).

PDF security, be it via password or DRM, either allows a document to be printed or not - there is no concept of restricting quantity, as to do that would require us to override the OS printer dialog, and no OS vendor allows that. Even if Adobe Reader wanted to allow the print button to be pressed only once, you could set the number of copies in your print preview window to 20 million - or print the secured PDF to Distiller and make an unsecured copy.

Neither can you prevent a PDF being distributed - it's a file, period. You can prevent someone from opening it without permission by applying document security, but they are perfectly free to attach it to emails, post it on the Web or burn it onto a DC and mail it to their momma.
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