How to Make a PDF Read-Only and Prevent Editing

You can quickly make your PDF read-only and prevent editing by adjusting file permissions or converting the PDF to an image format using Xodo PDF Studio.

If you've ever needed to share a PDF and prevent others from making changes, making it read-only is the ideal solution.

Whether it’s an important contract or a report containing sensitive information, securing your PDF from unauthorized edits is essential.

In this guide, we'll walk you through two different methods to make your PDFs read-only and non-editable using Xodo PDF Studio:

• Set permissions to make file read-only and prevent editing
• Convert PDF to an image format to make it read-only

Before we dive into the methods, let’s first explore what it means to make a PDF read-only and why you might want to make it non-editable.

If you're already familiar with these concepts, feel free to jump straight to the guides below.

What makes a PDF read-only?

A read-only PDF cannot be modified. You can only open and view the file without editing its content, ensuring the document remains unchanged.

Making a PDF read-only is useful for protecting sensitive information or when distributing documents for viewing only.

It prevents accidental or intentional changes to the content. However, this setting is not permanent, you can switch a PDF back to editable whenever needed.

Why you might want to make a PDF read-only and non-editable

There are several reasons you might want to make a PDF non-editable:

• Protect sensitive information: Financial documents, personal data, and contracts often need to remain unchanged and uneditable.
• Prevent unauthorized editing: Sharing a PDF without allowing edits is the simplest way to ensure that the recipient only views the content.
• Maintain document integrity: Sometimes, you may not want the document’s format or layout to be altered in any way.
• Ensure compliance: In many industries, legal and regulatory requirements dictate that certain documents must remain unchanged after creation.

Make a PDF read-only with Xodo PDF Studio

You can make a PDF read-only and non-editable using two quick methods in Xodo PDF Studio.

Let’s start by setting file permissions.

Modify file permissions to make PDF read-only

To make a PDF read-only, you can modify its file permissions to restrict editing. Follow these steps:

1. Download Xodo PDF Studio for Windows, Mac or Linux.
2. Open your PDF in Xodo PDF Studio.
3. Click on the Document Security option under the Secure tab, then click Edit.
4. Uncheck Allow document changes under the Permissions section. You can also uncheck additional options if needed.
5. Add a password in the Change Permissions Password field and confirm it by retyping. Click OK.
6. Save your new read-only PDF.

As an added layer of protection, you can apply password protection to your PDF. This ensures that anyone attempting to open the document will need a password.

Make PDF read-only by converting it to an image

To make a PDF read-only and non-editable, you can convert it into an image. Here's how:

1. Open Your PDF in Xodo PDF Studio.
2. Switch to the Convert menu.
3. Select the output format under Images. You can choose JPG, PNG, TIFF and GIF.
4. Click OK.

Once your PDF is converted into an image, it can be easily viewed, but the text and content cannot be easily modified.

If you prefer using a web converter, check out our guides on converting PDFs into images online:

• PDF to JPG
• PDF to PNG

How to make a read-only PDF editable again

In case you want to revert your changes and make your read-only PDF editable again, follow these steps:

1. Open the PDF in Xodo PDF Studio.
2. Under the Secure tab, click on Document Security. Then click Edit.
3. Check all permissions you unchecked when you created the read-only PDF.
4. Delete and uncheck the Permission Password.
5. Click Ok and save your now editable PDF.

When creating a PDF document that you want to be non-editable, you may still want to make it accessible and easy to search.

Tip: Read our comprehensive guide to learn different ways to make a PDF searchable.

Frequently asked questions

Now let's tackle most common questions on how to save a document as a read-only PDF file.

Why is a PDF not editable?

If a PDF isn't editable, it's likely because the file permissions prevent unauthorized editing or modification.

Alternatively, you might be using software that doesn't support PDF editing.

How can I tell if my PDF is read-only?

To check if your PDF is read-only, open the file and try editing it. If you're unable to make changes, the PDF likely has read-only permissions set.

You can also check the document properties or security settings in your PDF viewer to confirm if editing is restricted.

Can a read-only PDF be printed?

Yes, a read-only PDF can typically be printed unless printing permissions are also restricted.

If printing is allowed, you can open the PDF and print it as you would with any other document. However, if the document's security settings prevent printing, you won't be able to print the file.

Additionally, you can also read a PDF aloud using certain PDF readers or text-to-speech tools.

Can I make a PDF read-only without a password?

Yes, you can make a PDF read-only without using password protection.

With Xodo PDF Studio, you can modify the document permissions to restrict editing, allowing others to view the file without requiring a password.

This method prevents unauthorized changes while still providing easy access for viewing.

Is a read-only PDF completely secure?

A read-only PDF prevents most edits, but it isn't completely foolproof.

For enhanced security, consider adding password protection or encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

How can I remove read-only restrictions from a PDF?

To make a PDF editable again, you can update its file permissions using Xodo PDF Studio.

If the PDF is password-protected, you'll need the password to remove the restrictions and enable editing.

How do I flatten a PDF so it cannot be edited?

You can flatten your PDF and prevent editing using Xodo PDF Studio.

Simply select the "Flatten Layers" option in the left sidebar to remove interactive elements like forms, annotations, and layers, making the document uneditable.

Alternatively, you can use an online tool to flatten the PDF directly in your browser.

Make PDFs read-only and secure with Xodo PDF Studio

Ensuring a PDF is non-editable is crucial when sharing important documents that must remain unchanged.

Whether you use built-in permissions, password protection, or convert PDFs to images, Xodo PDF Studio makes it easy to protect your files from unauthorized edits.

Xodo PDF Studio is a reliable, intuitive offline PDF editor that helps keep your PDF files secure and non-editable.

For mobile or online access, try Xodo’s apps for Android and iOS or Xodo Web, offering 40+ web tools for easy document management.

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