How to Convert PDF to Secured PDF on Windows & Mac
It is of utmost importance to keep sensitive PDF documents safe and secure. One way to do this is to password protect the PDF file by converting PDF to secured PDF. A secured PDF can only be accessed by users who have the password. This helps protect the document from unauthorized access.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to convert regular PDF to secured PDF on Windows, Mac, and even online.
What we have for you:
Part 1. How to Convert PDF to Secured PDF on Windows
Part 1: How to Convert PDF to Secured PDF on Windows
If you’re using a Windows computer, you can easily convert PDF into secured PDF using the SysTools PDF Lock Tool. This tool provides a hassle-free way for Windows users to protect their documents.
It is a user-friendly software that incorporates both owner-level and user-level password protection methods. Users can even choose the encryption type to further secure their files. Here’s how to use it:
- Download, install, and launch the application on a Windows PC.
- Click on the Add File button to import the PDF file you want to secure.
- Set a password for your secured PDF by entering it in the “Apply Document Open Password” Section.
- The software also provides another section that deals with permissions. This section can restrict certain actions on the PDF file, thus providing an extra layer of security to the document.
- If you want to, then set a password for the file under the “Apply Document Restrictions” section.
- Now, choose the encryption type you want to use for the added PDF documents. Remember that at a higher encryption level, some applications may not be able to open the PDF file.
- Finally, click the Lock button to convert PDF to locked PDF in bulk.
- Once done, open the new PDF file and it will ask for password.
Your PDF is now secured with a password, and only those with the password can access it. Users can also reverse the process by converting password-protected PDF to regular PDF with the help of another software i.e., SysTools PDF Unlocker.
Part 2: How to Convert PDF to Locked PDF on Mac
If you’re a Mac user, you have a couple of options for converting PDF to secured PDF.
Method 1: Using Preview on Mac
Step 1. Right-click on the PDF file and select Open with >> Preview to open the PDF file in Preview.
Step 2. Once the PDF is opened in the Preview app, go to File >> Export.
Step 3. In the next window, type a new name if you want to leave the original PDF file intact and create a new secured PDF with a different name. Then, click on the Encrypt checkbox below the Quartz Filter dropdown. Here, enter a password in both the Password and Verify fields. Finally, click the Save button to convert PDF to secured PDF on Mac.
Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat DC on Mac
- Firstly, open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat DC.
- Then, go to File >> Properties.
- After that, click on the Security tab.
- Now, select Password Security from the Security Method dropdown.
- Then, enter a password and configure the security settings.
- Finally, click OK and save the PDF file.
Part 3: How to Convert PDF to Secured PDF Online
If you don’t want to install any software, you can use online tools to convert PDF to locked PDF. The process generally involves uploading your PDF, setting a password, and downloading the secured PDF. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1. Choose an Online Tool
Start by selecting a reputable online tool. You can easily find various options by searching for “convert PDF to secured PDF online” in your preferred search engine.
Step 2. Upload Your PDF
Once you’ve chosen an online tool, visit the website. Look for an option to upload your PDF file. This is typically done by clicking on a Upload or Choose File button. Navigate to the PDF file you want to secure on your computer and select it.
Step 3. Set a Password
After uploading your PDF, you’ll usually be prompted to set a password. This password will be required to access the secured PDF. Enter a strong password in the provided field.
Step 4. Start Conversion
Once you’ve set the password and security options, look for a button like Convert or Secure or Lock. Click on it to begin the conversion process.
Step 5. Download Secured PDF
After the conversion process is complete, the online tool will generate a secured PDF version of your file. You’ll typically receive a link or a button to download the secured PDF. Click on it to save the secured PDF to your computer.
That’s it! You’ve successfully converted PDF into locked PDF using an online tool. This secured PDF can now be safely shared or stored, knowing that it requires a password for access and additional security measures as per your preferences.
Conclusion
In order to protect your sensitive information inside a PDF, the first and foremost step is to convert PDF to secured PDF. This is because the secured PDF has an additional security layer that makes it difficult for anyone to access the document. Thus, users can provide the password to only trusted people, so they can open the PDF. Here, we have discussed the simplest and the most secure ways to convert normal PDF into locked PDF whether you are using Windows, Mac, or an online tool. We hope that you will find this guide helpful and easy to follow.