Protecting Documents

This module allows users to password-protect the file and to restrict/free some reader's options.


  1. RESTRICTIONS: you can set these controls to allow users to perform certain functions (except EXPIRATION DATE - see below). The default is RESTRICTED; users cannot print, change, comment, or perform any other of these tasks in any PDF reader.

NOTE: EXPIRATION DATE is a non-standard PDF restriction, and its purpose is to prevent PDF from being opened after a due date. The PDF reader (or browser) must have JavaScript enabled as the protection code is (additionally) written in this computer language. Warning: if JavaScript is disabled, the document cannot be read and opened.

Whenever this control is enabled, user just have to indicate a final date in the calendar that appears:


  1. OWNER PASSWORD: this field defines a password that releases all the imposed above restrictions. Depending on the PDF reader, password protection may be required when opening the file or in one of its properties.
  2. USER PASSWORD: if defined, the PDF document can be opened only after the user informs this password. And, unlike OWNER PASSWORD, it does not release any of the above restrictions.