How to lock PDF Files With Password Free And Without Acrobat

You can restrict access to a PDF file by setting passwords and limiting certain features, such as printing, editing, copying text, images, and other content files. There are many ways to accomplish this on both Windows and Mac, but in this post I want to share with you how to password protect a pdf file without Acrobat software on Windows PC.

Unlike Adobe Acrobat, it will cost you money expires after 30 days of trial, you can opt for the free PrimoPDF software also allows users to lock pdf files with password.

Once installed, PrimoPDF allows you to encrypt entire documents at no cost. It also allows you to set permissions access codes for tasks such as editing, copying, and printing.

Getting Started

Go to primopdf.com or filehippo.com to download the software and install it on your PC

You open the pdf file you want to block, go to "File"> "Print"

If installed correctly, you should see "PrimoPDF" in the list of printers. Select and click "Print"

Once the software opens, click "Edit" next to "PDF Security" as seen in the screenshot below:

Check the "Open Password" and "Permissions" box and set your security options as desired.

Click "OK" when you are done with the setup.

Click "Create PDF" to create the file.

Store at the desired location on your PC.

Open and you are prompted to enter a password, as shown below:

That's all.

You can also use pdf free PDFMate fusion software and if you are a Mac user, you can block the pdf file with a password on your Macbook using "Preview". It provides similar support and PDF encryption. Only "export", check the box "encrypt" and set your password.

I hope this helps.