Are PDF permissions a reliable way to protect a document?

Permissions ask PDF viewers not to print, copy or edit, and mainstream viewers respect them, but a file that opens without a password can still be read and unrestricted by other software. For confidential material, add an open password with Protect PDF as well.

Which PDF permissions can I change?

Whether the document may be printed, whether text may be copied, whether its contents may be edited and whether comments may be added. The changes are saved with AES-256 encryption under the owner password you set.

How do PDF permissions work?

PDF permissions are flags set in the document's encryption dictionary that tell PDF viewers what operations to allow. The owner password grants full access regardless of permissions. The user password (if set) is required to open the document. Without the owner password, viewers enforce the permission restrictions.

Are PDF permissions truly secure?

PDF permissions are respected by compliant viewers like Adobe Acrobat, but they can be bypassed by specialized tools since the actual content is accessible. They serve as a deterrent and clear signal of intent rather than absolute protection. For stronger protection, use encryption with a strong password.

Can I set different permissions for different users?

PDF supports two access levels: owner (full access, requires owner password) and user (restricted access, subject to permission flags). There is no per-user permission system in the PDF specification.

What is the difference between this and Protect PDF?

Protect PDF focuses on adding password encryption to control who can open the document. Change Permissions focuses on controlling what actions are allowed after the document is opened. They are complementary: you can use both together for full access control.

Change Permissions

Requires the owner password for encrypted PDFs

Powerful Change Permissions Features

Granular Control

Set individual permissions for printing, copying, editing, annotations, and forms.

Flexible Policies

Allow some actions while restricting others to match your distribution needs.

Private Processing

Permission changes applied locally. No documents uploaded to any server.

How To Change Permissions Online for Free

Upload Your PDF

Drop your PDF into the tool. Current permissions are read locally on your device.

Set Permissions

Configure which actions to allow or restrict: printing, copying, editing, annotations, form filling.

Download Updated PDF

Download the PDF with your permission settings applied.

Modify the access permissions embedded in a PDF document directly in your browser. Control what recipients can do with your PDF: allow or restrict printing, copying text, editing content, adding annotations, and filling form fields. Permissions are enforced by PDF viewers that respect the permission flags. Processing runs locally via WebAssembly, keeping your documents private.

Everything You Need in a Change Permissions

Print Control

Allow printing, restrict to low quality only, or deny printing entirely.

Copy Control

Enable or disable text selection and copying from the document.

Edit Control

Allow or restrict content editing and page manipulation.

Annotation Control

Permit or deny adding comments, highlights, and annotations.

Form Control

Set form filling permissions independently from other restrictions.

Local Processing

WebAssembly applies permissions on your device. Documents stay private.

How it works locally

noll opens the PDF in your browser, applies the printing, copying, editing and comment permissions you choose and encrypts it with AES-256 under your owner password. Neither the file nor the password is sent to a server.

Legal & compliance toolkit

More tools for preparing confidential and legal PDFs, all running in your browser.

View Metadata
Check what a PDF reveals: properties, XMP, forms and restrictions.
Remove Metadata
Delete author, software, dates and XMP history from a PDF.
Sanitize PDF
Strip metadata, scripts, attachments, comments and form data before sharing.
Redact PDF
Permanently remove confidential text, not just cover it.
Edit Metadata
Set a clean title, author and subject on a PDF.
Flatten PDF
Turn form fields and comments into fixed page content.
Bates Numbering
Number every page for discovery, e.g. ACME000001.
Header & Footer
Put case numbers or confidentiality notices on every page.
Add Stamps
Mark pages CONFIDENTIAL, DRAFT, APPROVED or your own text.
Sign PDF
Add a visible signature to a contract or form.
Protect PDF
Encrypt with AES-256 and an open password.
Remove Restrictions
Lift printing, copying and editing restrictions you're entitled to.
Validate Signature
Check the digital signatures in a signed PDF.

All secure PDF tools for legal work

Frequently Asked Questions

Document Work Made Easy

Process your PDFs with our collection of free, privacy-first tools. No uploads to servers, no registration required. Everything runs directly in your browser.