Skip to content

Protect a PDF against copying and printing

Course materials, a quote, a report: stop people from copying the text or printing it too easily. Here's how, and what these restrictions are really worth.

or drag them here · several at once with the pass or Premium

Processed on your device, nothing is uploaded

How do I protect a PDF against copying and printing?

  1. Choose your PDF.
  2. Choose an opening password (at least 6 characters, without accents), then tick “Prevent copying the text” and, if needed, “Prevent printing”.
  3. Press “Protect PDF”, download it, then give the password to your recipients by a different means than the document.

A PDF can carry restrictions: no copying of the text, no printing. On TwoDocument, they are added on top of an opening password, with AES 256-bit encryption: without the password, the document won't open; with it, the PDF reader applies the chosen restrictions.

Let's be clear about the limits: these restrictions are instructions that common PDF readers respect, not an absolute lock. Not all readers apply them, a screenshot is still possible, and anyone who knows the opening password can remove them with an unlocking tool. They discourage easy copying; they won't stop a determined person.

To limit circulation, combine protections: a watermark with the recipient's name (“Copy for Mr Martin”) discourages people from passing the document around. The tool does not offer a way to block editing; to lock the answers in a form, flatten it with the Fill in a form tool. The encryption is done on your device: neither the document nor the password is uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

Can I block copying without an opening password?

Not with TwoDocument: the restrictions are always added on top of an opening password of at least 6 characters. That is also what makes the document unreadable for anyone who doesn't have the password.

Do the restrictions work in all PDF readers?

No. Common readers respect them, but some ignore them. See them as a deterrent, not a guarantee.

Who can remove the restrictions?

Anyone who knows the opening password can remove them with an unlocking tool, including TwoDocument's. So only give the password to the right people.

Is my document uploaded to be protected?

No, the encryption is done in your browser. Neither the document nor the password leaves your device.

Other tools