How to Protect a PDF from Editing Without Password

Easily protect your PDF from editing without setting a password. Learn about setting file permissions, flattening files, and converting PDF pages to images with Xodo PDF Studio.

Many PDF owners want to share documents that anyone can open, yet keep them safe from unwanted changes.

While it may seem counterintuitive, doing so can keep the PDF file readable by colleagues, clients, or classmates without forcing them to enter a password each time.

When it comes to protecting your PDF from editing without a password, you have more than one option. We'll show you how to:

• Set permissions to restrict editing
• Flatten the PDF into a read-only file
• Convert PDF pages to non-editable images
• Anticipate better security needs and file permissions
• Find answers to questions on protecting PDF files

No matter what level of security you need, Xodo PDF Studio can help you strike the perfect balance between document security and user convenience.

Method 1: Set PDF editing restrictions in Xodo PDF Studio

Xodo PDF Studio gives you control over usage rights, allowing you to restrict permissions without requiring a password to open the PDF file. Here's how:

Open your PDF in Xodo PDF Studio

• Download and install Xodo PDF Studio on your Windows, macOS, or Linux device.
• Launch the software.
• Go to the File menu.
• Browse for and open the PDF you wish to protect.

Access the security settings

• Go to the Secure tab > Document Security.
• In the "Document Properties" dialog, click on the Security tab.
• Click on the Edit button.

Set file restrictions

• Select and turn off any file access permissions you need.
• You can disable features such as copying, form filling, or printing.
• Enter a strong password in the "Change Permissions Password" field.
• Save changes by clicking on the OK button and on the next dialog.
• Save your PDF document.

Note that this password is not required to open the PDF. It is only required if you or other authorized users need to adjust the file’s settings later on.

Confirm the changes in your restricted PDF

• Close and reopen the PDF in Xodo PDF Studio.
• Go to Secure > Document Security.
• Check the "Document Properties" dialog. You’ll see that the editing and restricted functions you chose are grayed out or blocked.

If anyone needs to edit the document's content, only those with the permissions password can do so. Otherwise, they can open and read the PDF, but won’t have any PDF editing permissions unlocked.

Method 2: Flatten your PDF into a read-only file

Flattening a PDF merges all layers, annotations, and form fields into a simple, unchangeable layer. Recipients can open the PDF, but won’t be able to edit the file. This essentially puts the PDF in read only mode.

Follow these steps to flatten your PDF file:

Open the PDF in Xodo PDF Studio

• In Xodo PDF Studio, go to the File tab to select and open your PDF.

Flatten your PDF file

• Go to the Forms tab > Flatten.
• Click on Continue to confirm you want to flatten the PDF.

Save your flattened PDF

• Click on Save As and name the new file.
• Choose a destination folder.
• Click on OK.

Test the flattened PDF

• Open it again to verify that text, forms, or markups no longer respond to editing tools.
• Everything should be an image layer and behave like a PDF that's been saved in read-only mode.

Flattening your PDF is a fast way to make a PDF non-editable, preventing recipients from copying sensitive information or altering any content.

Keep in mind, that once flattened, the PDF can't be turned back into an editable PDF. So only use this method when you want to permanently lock the document. Be sure to have an original copy of the PDF document just in case.

Method 3: Convert PDF pages into images to create image-only PDFs

Another option is converting each PDF page to an image, then merging those images back into a new PDF file. This method creates a PDF that contains only images. Follow these steps:

Open the PDF in Xodo PDF Studio

• Launch Xodo PDF Studio.
• Open your PDF document.

Convert PDF to images

• Go to the Convert tab > Images.
• Select from the options available to export your PDF pages as PNG, JPG, TIFF, or GIF images.
• Select a folder and save your new image files.

Set up your images into one PDF

• Once the image conversion is done, click on Batch > Convert to > PDF. Alternatively, you can click on the From Multiple Files button on the Convert tab.
• Select and upload your newly converted image files by clicking on Add Files.
• Order the pages as desired by selecting the file and clicking on the up and down arrows under the File List.

Convert your images into one PDF

• Click on Start to begin the conversion process.
• After the conversion is done, save your PDF.

This approach is similar to flattening a PDF as it lets you control access to the content without having to restrict opening permissions.

Tips for better PDF security and permissions control

• Test your methods on a sample document first.
  Doing so will help you see how the final PDF file will behave before sharing it with others.
• Keep a backup of the original PDF file.
  If you spot a mistake or need to update the file in the future, this allows you to go back to your working version.
• Secure confidential information from being viewed with a password.
  Because the above methods don't necessarily guard confidential content, use a password to protect bank statements, health records, or legal information. Check out our guide on how to password protect a PDF without Adobe.
• Consider redacting sensitive information.
  If you need to share read-only PDF documents with more people than you originally anticipated, redact any details you don't want other users viewing.
• When working with multiple files, use Xodo PDF Studio's batch processor.
  Add security and file permissions to PDFs efficiently and all at once to speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove editing restrictions if I forget the open password?

Without the correct owner password, you can’t open the PDF to modify the PDF file permissions. That’s why it’s best to store your password in a safe place or have an original version of the password protected PDF as a backup.

Check out our guide to learn more on how to open a PDF file with password protection.

Will flattening or converting pages reduce the document’s quality?

In most cases, no. The overall look of text and images remains very close to the original. However, the file may be slightly larger or compressed, depending on your export settings, but it should remain clear enough for general use.

Do these methods require a paid version of Xodo PDF Studio?

No. You can try Xodo PDF Studio for free to explore its advanced features.

Does flattening remove fillable form fields?

Yes. Flattening merges those fields into the page so they can’t be filled out afterward. If you need a fillable form, consider sharing a version that is not flattened for collaborators and a flattened version for final distribution.

Can I add a watermark while restricting editing?

Yes. You can use Xodo PDF Studio to insert a watermark first, then apply file permissions or flatten the pages. Visit our guide on adding a watermark to PDF for full steps. If you need different watermarks for different readers, you can finalize those details before you begin restricting permissions.

Is restricting editing the same as encrypting a PDF?

No. Restricting editing sets permissions or flattens the document to stop changes. An encrypted PDF file, on the other hand, requires a viewing or open password to access the PDF file. Combining both methods provides more security and is possible if you need more protection for your documents.

How do these methods compare to online tools?

Desktop PDF software like Xodo PDF Studio offer more control over editing permissions and document security options in one tool. The methods above don't require uploading your documents to external servers. If you need more security, Xodo PDF Studio can help you secure your files offline on any OS.

Protect PDF files with ease using Xodo PDF Studio

Knowing how to protect a PDF from editing without a password gives you flexibility in sharing and collaboration. You can secure and keep professional reports, school projects, or small business documents readable.

Xodo PDF Studio makes it simple to disable editing features, flatten files, or even convert them to images for non-editable PDFs.

Working with a single document? Need to lock multiple PDFs? You'll get effective protection every time.

Secure your next PDF with Xodo PDF Studio and gain peace of mind before you even click on “Send.”