In today's digital-first world, the process of exchanging information becomes easy with PDF files. A PDF document can be easily downloaded, emailed, uploaded, or distributed in any way, all this happening without your notice. Besides its usability, it is often tampered with due to its simplicity. Here, many professionals seek ways to prevent PDF sharing to block unauthorized permissions. In the following guide, we will list the methods to protect PDF from screenshot or sharing. So, let's dive into it.
Why PDFs Are Shared Without Security
PDFs are among the most convenient and preferred document formats. The primary purpose of sharing unprotected PDFs is to ensure faster communication among users. Below are the common reasons to share PDF without security:
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The files can be downloaded by anyone and then sent to others.
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Copying/printing restrictions can be easily bypassed.
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Many people are confused about data privacy policies.
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There are no built-in ways to know who has opened or shared a PDF.
Besides the benefits, it widens the risk of data loss or compromise. Whether it's a research paper, a financial document, or even an eBook, unprotected PDFs provide opportunities for anyone to tamper with the information. Hence, it is essential to protect PDF from sharing for better security and document protection. So, let's walk through the methods of preventing PDF file sharing.
How to Prevent PDF Sharing Using Online Tools
If you're searching how to protect PDF from sharing, try free online PDF tools. These are web-based solutions designed for instant accessibility. Using these tools, users can effortlessly protect PDF with password and other document security features, such as content editing, printing, and more. This way, owners block sharing and mitigate the risk of data compromise.
Remember, imposing password security lets owners share the credentials with legitimate users. However, it won't directly protect PDFs from unauthorized users. Besides this, the online tools are free and useful for everyone. Without software installation, users can instantly lock a PDF with the required security. Now, follow the steps to prevent PDF sharing using online tools:
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Firstly, visit the free online PDF-related websites.
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Drop the document using the drag-and-drop feature.
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Now, set the strong password and press the Start/ Lock button.
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Finally, download the secured PDF document instantly.
Online tools are free and reliable for everyone. However, there are major limitations. Firstly, there is a high chance of data formatting errors and loss, and most importantly, it will not meet security standards.
Hence, it is recommended not to use a free tool for protecting confidential data. In other words, experts suggest the offline and trustworthy tools for securing PDFs from sharing. So, discover them in the section below.
How to Protect PDF from Sharing - Try Adobe Acrobat Pro Software
To prevent PDF sharing, download the Adobe Acrobat Pro Utility. This is among the advanced and professional software for securing sensitive PDFs. Using this tool, users can easily ensure the security of PDF files. Moreover, it allows users to impose password or owner-level permissions all at once. This way, users can share the document only with authorized viewers.
The software's other highlights include fast processing and a user-friendly navigation interface. Additionally, it meets the necessary security and privacy measures. Now, follow the guide to protect PDF from sharing using the Acrobat Tool:
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Download or start the advanced Adobe Acrobat Pro tool on your system.
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After this, File to upload PDF > Tools > Encrypt option.
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Choose Password Security under the menu of Security.
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Now, add the necessary password and use the OK key.
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Finally, press the Save button to download the secured file.
This is among the cutting-edge software for protecting PDF files. Besides its usage, the tool is premium, particularly based on its subscription pricing. Many professionals can't afford it due to the cost. Hence, it is recommended to use alternative methods to lock a PDF from sharing or direct access.
How to Prevent PDF Sharing Using SysTools PDF Pro Utility
If you're wondering how to protect PDF sharing, download SysTools PDF Locker Tool. It is designed for Windows or macOS users. Using this robust software, users can instantly lock a PDF with necessary security. In other words, it is a simplified tool based on cost-effective pricing.
Compared to Acrobat, it is a flexible tool for everyone. Moreover, it supports batch processing and allows users to ensure document safety.
Additionally, it offers a feature to lock PDFs with a strong password and other permissions, such as editing, content copying, and printing. Most importantly, it lets users to share the secured PDF files. Here are the steps to prevent PDF sharing using the SysTools PDF tool:
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Download the above-mentioned utility on your operating system.
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Add Files or Folders feature to upload the required PDF files.
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Move to Change to provide direction for resultant file > Next.
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After this, use the Security Settings and press the Lock button.
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Finally, save the protected PDF file to prevent PDF file sharing.
Concluding Words
In the above guide, we have shared 3 ways to prevent PDF sharing. Using these methods, users can effortlessly protect a PDF file from sharing or direct accessibility. Among all the methods, SysTools recommended software is the best choice for everyone. It is secure and most powerful yet cost-effective software for imposing security.