PDFtoAll

Restrict printing and copying in a PDF file

Set an owner password and choose whether recipients may print, copy text, edit pages or add annotations to your PDF.

  • 1 free task a day, no account needed
  • No watermarks
  • Encrypted in transit
  • Deleted automatically

Restrict PDF Permissions online, free

Set printing, copying, editing and annotation permissions on a PDF and download an AES-256 encrypted PDF. Use an owner password to manage restrictions; these viewer-enforced permissions discourage routine changes but are not a substitute for withholding sensitive material.

Good for: distribute read-only review copies, control routine print access, limit copying in shared pdfs.

  • Separate controls
  • Owner password
  • AES-256 output

  • Separate controls

    Allow or block printing, text and image extraction, modification and annotation independently.

  • Owner password

    Set a required owner password for changing PDF permissions.

  • AES-256 output

    The resulting PDF uses qpdf-based 256-bit encryption.

  • Works on any device

    Restrict PDF Permissions runs in the browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. Nothing to install.

How to restrict printing and copying in a PDF file

  1. 1

    Upload the PDF whose permissions you want to set.

  2. 2

    Enter an owner password and choose allowed actions.

  3. 3

    Apply restrictions and download the PDF.

Limits and formats

Input
PDF
Output
PDF
Files per run
One file
Max file size
25 MB for guests; free account 50 MB, Premium 500 MB
Kept for
1 hour, then deleted
Account
Not required

Frequently asked questions

Can people still open a restricted PDF?

Yes. This tool sets an owner password but no opening password, so recipients can view the PDF without a password.

Are restrictions impossible to bypass?

No. PDF permissions depend on viewer compliance and are not a guarantee against determined copying or screenshots.

Can I allow printing but prevent copying?

Yes. Printing is enabled by default, while copying, editing and annotations are disabled by default; change each switch independently.

What if I lose the owner password?

Store it securely and retain your original PDF. You may need the owner password to revise restrictions later.

What is the free limit and retention period?

Guests can upload files up to 25 MB each. A free account raises the limit to 50 MB per file, and Premium allows 500 MB per file with larger batches.

Anything missing? Read how files are handled or write to support.

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