Add text to pdf and save so it can't be edited SOLVED

[sparkles]

Maybe there's better terminology, but I don't know what it would be and my searches haven't turned up an answer. Here's the situation:

I have a pdf file. I use the typewriter tool to add some text to the pdf.

Now, the two requirements:

1. Save the pdf so it's still a pdf and so that the recipient cannot select or edit the text I have added.
2. Have the resulting file size be not huge, i.e., roughly around the same size as the original pdf. (For example, I have a pdf that I already added text to and saved (as still editable) and it's under 400 KB. I want the uneditable version to not be over 1 MB.)

How can I do that, please?

PS: It's not clear whether Flatten will do this, but I have the free version and am looking for a no-cost solution.

[Daniel - PDF-XChange]

Hello, sparkles

It is not possible to fully prevent editing a singular item in a PDF. You can apply security to the document as a whole to prevent others from either opening, or editing it. You have a few options with this method.

1. The simplest is signing the document, which offers a permissions dropdown at the time of signing to control what can be done in the file.
2. Following that is the option to apply password security. Do so from the Document properties window (Ctrl_D) under the security category. Simply select password from the dropdown, and then configure the settings as needed.
3. Finally, while this is not an option that can be implemented from our end, third party solutions, Such as "FileOpen" and "Purview" features are available to accomplish similar feats.
   - Those will need to be managed/configured by your system admin and applied to the file by another software.

Beyond that, comments do have the "locked" and "read only" properties. However, these are mostly to reduce mistakes - not necessarily intended as security features, as it is still possible to copy the content, and it is fairly easy to remove it as well (either make a change in the properties, or run a simple Javascript on the file).

Finally, "flattening" in a PDF simply means to convert the content to "base content" items. Most PDF software is able to edit base content these days, however, it is not usually the default mode to do so. If you simply need to have the items visible, and know that the recipients will primarily be in a reading/form filling mode, flattening is often enough to handle the situation and prevent those kinds of accidents/mistakes.

Kind regards,

[sparkles]

I appreciate the reply. Unfortunately, I didn't understand much of what you typed, but it doesn't seem to be addressing my situation or goals, which causes me to wonder if I didn't explain clearly enough what I wanted. I'm pressed for time, so can't really expand on that, however, for future readers who might benefit, when I brought up the Print dialog, I selected a "printer" option that prints to pdf. I tested a few different ones and found one that does what I want. Now, when I open the printed-to-pdf version, I cannot select or edit the text I previously added. One of the "printers" I tried out inserted a watermark on each page, which is unacceptable, so I also eliminated that option. And lastly, the file size was reasonable, so I have a workflow that's not too much effort and gives me what I want.

[Sean - PDF-XChange]

Hi Sparkles,

Once you have added the text to the document, please go to File -> Document Properties -> Security and select 'Password Security'. Then set a password in order to restrict subsequent editing of the document:

image.png

This process should not make the file unmanageably large - if it is too large for what you require, you can always try 'Save as Optimized' to reduce the file size.

Kind regards,

[sparkles]

I need to send these pdfs out to other people, and don't want to send password-protected pdfs because I have a solution that works well enough and I don't have time to test whether that might show up in some way that I wouldn't want it to. But the suggestion might be useful to others who find this thread.

[Sean - PDF-XChange]

Hi sparkles,

Can you please clarify what the issue would be with sending out password-protected PDFs? The password would be required only to edit the document, and not to open it.

Kind regards,

[sparkles]

I don't know that there would be an issue. But I'd have to test it out to be sure. I didn't think there'd be a problem with using a 'print to pdf' app, but one them put a watermark on the resultant file, which was a deal-breaker. So, I'd have to test it out to be sure there weren't unanticipated issues. And since I have a method I'm satisfied with I'd rather put my time to my many projects and already too long to-do list.

[Sean - PDF-XChange]

Okay thanks - I'd suggest you try that then as it will likely be a satisfactory resolution for your issue.

Kind regards,