All PDFs appear locked? I can't copy/paste or anything! SOLVED

[BeefJelly]

Does anyone know why there's a little lock on all my PDF's and how to remove it? I assume that's what's stopping me from editing or simply copying text.

Thanks,

AK-

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hello, BeefJelly

Yes, that little lock indicates that there is security in place on the file preventing it from being edited. The method to remove it would depend on the type of security in place.
~ If there is password security, you can remove it by entering the correct password in the "security" category, of the document properties window (Ctrl_D).
~ If there is Signature security, you will need to have the certificate that was used to sign the document installed on your machine, or removal will not be possible.
~ If the is any other type of security, it will be dependent on a third party app/system how you remove the security, you will want to contact the owner of the document or system that is used for instructions on how to unlock those files.

Kind regards,

[PHK]

Just to be clear, the creator of the document which bears that 'lock' symbol is responsible for setting the security parameters; it is not something that is controlled in the software by the end user. If possible, you might want to go back to the original source of the file for guidance on how to clear the security and allow editing the file. On the other hand, some providers of documentation like this are not open to doing this. In that category, I would put some narrow-minded banks and brokerages. As a last resort and if you can live with just the images of the pages (without all the other possible goodies like Bookmarks, Links, and others), you can use the virtual printer to create a new file of the image-only, but editable, pages with the PDF-XChange Standard print driver that comes with the Editor software.

The good folk at Tracker Software are reluctant to suggest this for various good reasons, but many of us users find it a useful work-around.

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]