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SECURE
Allow or block printing, copying and editing, protected by a permissions password only you know.
QUICK ANSWER
To restrict a PDF, add the file, set a permissions password, and untick what readers shouldn’t do, such as copying text or editing. Download the PDF: it still opens for everyone, but the blocked actions stay off. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
You’ll choose what readers can do next. It stays in this browser.You’ll choose what readers can do next. It stays in this browser.
PDF files · Runs in your browser
QUICK ANSWER
To restrict a PDF, add the file, set a permissions password, and untick what readers shouldn’t do, such as copying text or editing. Download the PDF: it still opens for everyone, but the blocked actions stay off. It runs in your browser, so your file isn’t uploaded.
Updated 31 October 2026 · Written by the StackPDF teamUpdated 31 October 2026 · StackPDF team
HOW TO
Drop it here, or choose it from your computer, your phone or My files.
Set a permissions password, then tick or untick printing, copying, editing and comments.
It opens without a password, with the blocked actions turned off.
PERMISSIONS
Unticked actions are blocked for anyone opening the file.
| SETTING | WHEN IT’S ON | DEFAULT |
|---|---|---|
| Printing | Readers can print the PDF | On |
| Copying text | Readers can select and copy text and images | Off |
| Editing content | Readers can change pages and text | Off |
| Comments and markup | Readers can add notes and highlights | Off |
| Filling forms | Readers can fill in form fields | On |
Most viewers respect permissions, but some tools ignore them. To stop people opening the file, add an open password with Lock PDF.
PRIVACY
Yes. The file is encrypted in your browser, and neither the PDF nor the password is sent to StackPDF.
StackPDF opens the PDF in your browser tab and does the work there.
Close the tab and it’s gone. Free results download to your device. Premium can also keep them in My files.
pdf-lib, PDF.js and qpdf do the work, inside your browser.
FAQ
Add the PDF, set a permissions password and untick Copying text. Readers can still open and read it, but most viewers won’t let them copy from it.
Yes. The free plan includes 1 PDF export a day, with no account. Premium removes the daily limit for $5.99 a month or $39.99 a year.
No. The permissions are set in your browser, so the PDF and the password stay on your device.
Lock PDF adds an open password, so nobody can read the file without it. Set PDF permissions lets everyone open the file but blocks actions such as copying or editing.
Yes, by anyone with the permissions password, using Remove password from PDF. Keep that password to yourself.
Most do, including Acrobat and Preview, but some tools ignore them. To stop people opening the file at all, add an open password with Lock PDF.