How to Make PDF Read Only - 3 Ways to Transform Your Files

Sharing a PDF can be nerve-wracking when you want to ensure its content remains unaltered. Imagine sending a finalized contract or a confidential document, only to worry about unauthorized edits. Learning how to make a PDF read-only provides a reliable solution to protect your files. In this guide, you'll discover three easy and practical ways to secure your PDFs using UPDF. From password protection to creating image-only PDFs, these methods will keep your documents safe. Dive into the steps and take control of your file security—don't miss the valuable insights shared here!

Part 1. How to Make PDF Read-Only - 3 Methods Provided

To secure a PDF file and prevent unauthorized editing, converting it to a read-only format is an effective solution. One of the most user-friendly tools for achieving this is UPDF, a versatile PDF editor that offers comprehensive features to protect your files. With UPDF, you can effortlessly restrict editing, copying, or printing by applying robust permissions or converting your PDF to a secured format. Whether you're safeguarding sensitive documents or preparing files for distribution, UPDF simplifies the process in just a few clicks. Ready to protect your PDFs? Download UPDF now and take control of your document security today!

Method 1

To make a PDF read-only, you can add a permission password to it using UPDF. This way, you can control the editing, printing, and annotating permissions conveniently. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Launch the UPDF application and open the PDF you want to secure. Locate the "Protect Using Password" icon on the right-hand toolbar and click it.

Step 2. In the "Protect Using Password" menu, select the "Permissions" option. This allows you to restrict editing, copying, and printing by setting a permissions password.

Step 3. Enter your desired password in the provided fields. By default, setting this password will make the PDF read-only. To customize restrictions further, click "More Options" to adjust permissions for editing, printing, or copying.

Step 4. Click "Apply" and then "Save" to finalize your read-only PDF. Choose a file name and folder, and your protected document is ready!

Method 2

Another way to make your PDF read-only with UPDF is by converting it to an image-only PDF using the OCR tool. This method locks the content into a static, image-based format, unlike Method 1, which restricts permissions while keeping the text searchable and editable under a password. Here's how it works:

Step 1. If you haven't installed UPDF's OCR tool, do so first. Once installed, open the tool from the UPDF interface and click on the OCR option to launch a new window.

Step 2. In the OCR tool, choose "Image-only PDF" as the Document Type. This ensures your file is converted into a static format that cannot be edited or searched.

Step 3. Under the "Keep Pictures" section, select the image quality level—Low, Balanced, or High—based on your clarity and file size preferences.

Step 4. Click "Perform OCR," select a folder to save your new file, and let UPDF generate the image-only PDF.

This method permanently locks the PDF content by converting it to a static format, making it ideal for archiving or sharing documents without risking modifications or unauthorized text extraction.

UPDF offers so much more than just file protection! From editing text and images to converting, annotating, and organizing your PDFs, UPDF is a comprehensive tool for all your document management tasks. To explore the full range of features UPDF provides, we invite you to watch this video and discover how UPDF can simplify your work and enhance productivity. Upgrade to the pro version and experience the difference for yourself!

Method 3

The third method to make a PDF read-only with UPDF is by utilizing its Link feature. Unlike the previous two methods, this approach doesn't modify the PDF file itself. Instead, it limits access through a secure link, giving you control over permissions such as downloading, copying, and printing. Here's how it works:

Step 1. Launch the UPDF app, click "Open File," and select the PDF you want to share securely.

Step 2. On the right-side panel, click on "Share this file with others." This will bring up menu options where you can configure sharing settings.

Step 3. Choose to disable copying, downloading, or printing for the PDF. You can also set an expiration time for the link to control how long it remains accessible.

Step 4. Click "Create" to generate a secure link or QR code. Copy the shareable link or send  the QR code directly with users.

This method is ideal for temporary sharing where you need full control over access without altering the PDF file itself. Unlike Method 1, which uses passwords, or Method 2, which converts the file into a static format, this approach enables flexibility and revocability.

Part 2. Extended Reading: How Do I Remove Editing Permissions from a PDF?

In addition to making PDFs read-only, UPDF also allows you to remove the editing restrictions from PDFs. Here's how to disable editing with UPDF:

Step 1. Launch the UPDF application and open the PDF file you want to secure.

Step 2. Navigate to the "Protect" tab in UPDF's interface and choose "Remove Security".

Step 3. To disable editing restrictions, first enter the permission password.

Step 4. After that, click the "Unlock" button, UPDF will automatically remove the editing permissions for you.

Step 5. Click "Save" to finalize the changes. The document can be edited now.

Conclusion

Making a PDF read-only is a crucial step in protecting sensitive information and ensuring your documents stay secure. UPDF provides an intuitive platform to achieve this, offering versatile features like password protection, image-only conversions, and controlled sharing via links. These methods cater to different needs, making it simple to secure your files effectively. UPDF is more than just a PDF editor—it's a complete solution for managing, protecting, and enhancing your documents. Ready to secure your PDFs with ease? Download UPDF now and enjoy peace of mind knowing your documents are safe and protected!