Protecting a PDF from editing prevents recipients from modifying the content while still allowing them to read and print it.
Navigate to the protect tool in any browser.
Upload your PDF. Set an owner (permissions) password. Enable the "Restrict editing" option. You can also restrict copying of text and printing.
Tip: If you only want to prevent editing (not opening), use an owner password without a user (open) password. Recipients can open and read freely but cannot modify.
Download the protected PDF. Recipients opening it in Adobe Reader, Chrome, or Preview will find editing functions disabled.
Standard owner-password restrictions prevent editing in normal PDF viewers. Specialized software can sometimes bypass owner-only permissions. For maximum protection, use both user and owner passwords.
Yes — completely free at pdfeditor.onl/protect-pdf.