PDF is the most common file format being used by many users and organizations to manage crucial data. Due to its top-notch features like platform-independent, non-editable, no formatting etc., it has become the primary choice of all users. Moreover, PDF is a password protected and it supports two levels of security; one to open and view a document, and another to allow several permissions like printing or editing. In that case, you must have Acrobat Pro to change PDF document restrictions and make changes to a document itself.

Therefore, in the upcoming section, we will discuss manual procedures to understand how to change PDF security restrictions in an absolute way. Before proceeding this, let us consider the following scenario taken by forum site:




 “One of my clients shared a PDF file with me. I opened that portable file but I was unable to sign the document. I am stuck now as I do not know how to resolve this problem. Is there any method to change PDF document restrictions? Kindly suggest me a suitable and efficient solution for the same."

SysTools PDF Unlocker software to unlock PDF security is a quick and trustworthy solution. The tool is designed with advanced algorithm to unprotect PDF files without any hassle.



Manual Ways to Modify PDF Security Restrictions

There are different manual ways to change PDF document restrictions. Some of them are mentioned below:

Remove Current PDF File Restrictions

  • Start Acrobat Pro on your local system 
  • Go to File menu and choose Open option. This will show the Open dialog box. The, navigate to PDF file in which you want to change restrictions, choose it and then hit Open. 
  • If the PDF document is password protected, the Acrobat will prompt you for Document Open Password 
  • Type password inside the Enter Password field and press OK button to open the PDF file Select File >>Properties to open the Document Properties box
  •  Now, you can view the current security restrictions by clicking on the Security tab. In the "Document Restrictions Summary" dialog box the Allowed and Not Allowed restrictions will be listed
  •  Click Security Method and then select No Security option. When Adobe Acrobat will prompt you for Permissions Password, enter the password and press OK button. 
  • At last, the Acrobat shows a dialog box asking if you are sure you can remove the document's security.
  • Click OK button. It returns you to Document Properties. Press OK and now all the restrictions are removed.

Change PDF Document Restrictions

  • First of all, Open Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Click File and then, choose Open button. This shows the Open dialog box. Go to PDFdocument, select it, and choose Open. If a PDF file is a password protected, Adobe Acrobat prompts you for Document Open Password
  • Enter the password and click OK button to open the PDF document 
  • Select File menu and choose Properties to open the dialog box Document Properties. 
  • You can view current security restrictions by choosing Security tab. The Allowed and Not Allowed restrictions will be listed in Document Restrictions Summary box 
  • Tap Change Settings button to open Password Security -- Settings box
  • Click on Printing Allowed drop-down and select one of the print options, either high resolution or low-resolution printing 
  • Click Changes Allowed and select change-restrictions group that you want to apply. There are multiple groups, and every group listing is self-explanatory. 
  • Select the OK button to close the Document Properties
  •  At last, Save and close the PDF document. Next, the new restriction settings will be applied to the document.
Although, there are some drawbacks associated with above-stated manual methods. It is a very lengthy and time-consuming procedure to remove or change PDF document restrictions. Thus, to avoid all drawbacks and it is always recommended to go for a reliable third-party tool.

Professional Tool to Unlock Protected PDF File Security

Users can opt for a reliable and instant solution to remove PDF restrictions. One such solution is PDF Unlocker tool. It is designed in such a way to unsecure PDF document from Owner Level Password Security. The best part of this tool is that there is no need to install Adobe Acrobat to carry out the process. Moreover, it is capable enough to unlock protected PDF document in bulk with Business or Enterprise License.

Final Thoughts

In this blog, we have discussed different methods to change PDF document restrictions manually. A step by step manual approach is described to change pdf security restrictions. But, to remove security from Adobe PDF without any kind of data loss users can opt for the professional tool. It is one of the best methods, which helps to unlock password protected PDF file without any hassle.