Change PDF Permissions — Control Printing, Copying & Editing
Set which actions others can perform on your PDF — printing, copying, editing, annotating, filling forms, and more. Enforce the restrictions with an owner password and optionally require a user password to open the file. All processing stays in your browser.
Key Features
Granular Permission Control
Independently allow or block printing, high-quality printing, editing, copying, annotating, form filling, accessibility, and document assembly.
AES-128 Encryption
Restrictions are enforced with strong 128-bit AES encryption that works in all modern PDF readers.
User & Owner Passwords
Set a user password to require a password for opening, and an owner password to control who can change the permissions.
Works on Protected Files
Already-encrypted PDFs are supported — enter the current password and re-apply your preferred settings.
100% Private
All processing happens locally in your browser. Files and passwords are never sent to any server.
No Install, Free
Works on any device with a browser. No sign-up, no watermarks, and completely free.
What Are PDF Permissions?
PDF permissions are the restrictions embedded in a document that control what users can do with it — such as printing, copying text, editing content, adding annotations, or filling forms. Permissions are enforced by PDF encryption: a document encrypted with an owner password carries a set of allowed actions that compliant readers honour. This tool lets you choose exactly which actions are allowed, encrypt the document with AES-128, and set a user password to restrict who can even open the file. It is an effective way to protect documents you distribute, such as contracts, reports, and proposals.
How to Change PDF Permissions
Changing permissions takes just a few steps. Everything runs in your browser.
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop a PDF file or click the upload area. If the file is already encrypted, you will be asked for its current password.
Choose the allowed actions
Uncheck the actions you want to block — printing, copying, editing, annotating, filling forms, and more. Use Allow All or Restrict All for quick control.
Set the passwords
Optionally set a user password to require a password for opening, and an owner password to enforce the restrictions.
Apply and download
Click Apply Permissions and download the updated PDF with your new security settings.
Good to Know
Permission restrictions are only enforced when an owner password is set on the output. A user password, on its own, requires a password to open the file but does not enforce restrictions. If you set no new passwords, existing encryption and restrictions are removed from the output. Encryption is 128-bit AES, supported by all modern PDF readers. Your passwords are processed locally and never leave your device.