How to Make PDF With Password

The importance of keeping our information secure is highly increasing and when it comes to files, especially the ones that contain sensitive information, we must ensure that they are protected from being accessed by unauthorized people. One of the best ways we can protect our PDF files is by setting a password. In this blog post, we will show you different methods to make a PDF with a password and the needed tools to perform this task.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Making a PDF with a password is a straightforward task and requires a few basic tools. Here is a list of tools you will need:

  • A computer or laptop.
  • A PDF editor tool: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDF Element, and Foxit Phantom are some examples of PDF editors that support password protection.

What Requires Your Focus?

For any of the methods we will be discussing in this post, there are particular details that require your focus to ensure you make a PDF with a password successfully. Here are some details that you should pay attention to:

  • The PDF editor tool you decide to use must support password protection.
  • Choose a strong password that you can remember, but difficult for others to guess.
  • If possible, never print out the password or write it down.
  • After creating your PDF with a password, save it in a secure location.

Different Methods to Make PDF With Password

Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is one of the most commonly used PDF editors, and it supports password protection. Here is how you can make a PDF with a password using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC:

  1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  2. Click on the "Tools" option located at the top left corner of the screen.
  3. Choose "Protect" then click on "Encrypt".
  4. Select "Encrypt With Password".
  5. Enter a strong password in the "Password" field.
  6. In the "Confirm Password" field, enter the same password again.
  7. Click "OK".
  8. Your PDF file now has a password, and it is protected.

Pros:

  • Secure your PDF file with a strong password.
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is commonly used, so there is ample support and easy to find solutions to any problem you might encounter.

Cons:

  • Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a paid tool and requires a subscription
  • The user interface might be complex for beginners to use.

Method 2: Using PDF Element

PDF Element is another useful PDF editor tool that supports password protection. Here is how you can make a PDF with a password using PDF Element:

  1. Open the PDF file in PDF Element.
  2. Select "Protect" from the menu on the top of the screen.
  3. Choose "Set Password" from the drop-down menu.
  4. In the "Document Open Password" section, enter a strong password.
  5. Repeat the strong password in the "Confirm Password" field.
  6. Click "OK".
  7. Your PDF file now has a password, and it is protected.

Pros:

  • PDF Element is much cheaper than Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
  • The "Protect" menu is relatively easy to navigate for beginners.

Cons:

  • PDF Element is not as widely used as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, which may lead to a lack of support.
  • PDF Element’s security features might not be as comprehensive as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.

Method 3: Using Foxit PDF Reader

Foxit PDF Reader is mainly a PDF viewer but also has features that let you secure your PDF with a password. Here is how you can make a PDF with a password using the Foxit PDF reader tool:

  1. Open the PDF file in Foxit PDF Reader
  2. Click on "File" on the top left corner of the interface.
  3. Choose "Properties" then go to the "Security" tab.
  4. Select the "Password Security" option from the security method section.
  5. Type in a strong password for the PDF file.
  6. Click "OK" and then save the PDF file in a secure location.

Pros:

  • Foxit PDF Reader is free.
  • Foxit PDF Reader is easy to use, and the process of creating a password-protected PDF is straightforward.

Cons:

  • Foxit PDF Reader is not specifically designed for creating password-protected PDF files or editing PDF files.
  • In some cases, Foxit PDF Reader might not support more advanced password protection features.

Why Can’t I Make PDF With Password?

There are different reasons why you might not be able to make a PDF with a password. Here are some of the common reasons:

1. The PDF editor tool you are using does not support password protection:

Solution: Find a PDF editor tool that supports password protection, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or PDF element.

2. The PDF file is read-only:

Solution: You cannot make a password for a read-only PDF file. You will need to remove the read-only property or make a copy of the document and remove the read-only property before adding a password.

3. Incorrect permissions:

Solution: In some cases, the password feature might be limited by the user’s permissions. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to add a password to the PDF file.

Implications and Recommendations

Creating a password-protected PDF file is an important step in ensuring the security of information shared through PDF files. Here are some implications and recommendations that you should consider:

  • Always choose a strong password that is difficult for unauthorized individuals to guess, but easy enough for you to remember.
  • Store the password in a secure location and never write it on a sticky note or easily accessible location.
  • Periodically check the password of your PDF and update it if necessary.
  • Limit access to your PDF files only to authorized individuals.

5 FAQs About Making PDF With Password

Q1. Can I add a password to an existing PDF file?

A1. Yes, you can add a password to an existing PDF file using a PDF editor tool that supports password protection, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDF element, or Foxit PDF Reader.

Q2. What happens if I forget my password?

A2. Unfortunately, if you forget your password, you cannot access the password-protected PDF. You will have to recreate the PDF file without password protection or use password recovery tools if you saved the password elsewhere.

Q3. Is password protection secure enough for sensitive documents?

A3. Yes, password protection is secure enough for sensitive documents, but you need to ensure that you choose a strong password.

Q4. What other features should I look for in a PDF editor tool?

A4. PDF editor tools have various features that include editing, PDF conversion, optical character recognition (OCR), redaction, and so on. Check the features and choose a tool that fits your needs appropriately.

Q5. Is creating a password-protected PDF legal?

A5. Yes, creating a password-protected PDF is legal as long as the files you are protecting are your personal or proprietary information and do not infringe on any copyright laws.

In Conclusion

Protecting our PDF files is essential, especially if the files contain sensitive information, and making a password-protected PDF file is an excellent way to accomplish this. We discussed three methods of making a PDF with a password using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDF Element, and Foxit PDF Reader. Ensure to choose a password that is easy enough to remember but challenging for others to guess, store the password in a secure location, and limit access to the PDF files.