PDF Security & Access Issues

How to Encrypt and Password-Protect PDFs in Acrobat Standard

Nimra Malik Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to find out if and how they can encrypt or password-protect a PDF document using Adobe Acrobat Standard DC (2018 version).

How to Encrypt and Password-Protect PDFs in Acrobat Standard

Product: Adobe Acrobat Standard DC
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Securing sensitive PDF data with a password to prevent unauthorized access, copying, or editing.
Observed behavior: The user needs to verify the encryption feature availability and find the exact menu path to apply password protection to their PDF file.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct owner permissions for the PDF file, as you cannot apply new security settings to a document that is already restricted or locked by another user.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply Password Security via Document Properties

You can easily encrypt your document by modifying the security methods found within the file's properties in Acrobat Standard.

Adobe Acrobat Standard fully supports PDF encryption. By accessing the document's built-in properties menu, you can set both an open password and a permissions password to restrict viewing and editing.

Open the PDF document

Launch Adobe Acrobat Standard DC and open the PDF file you wish to encrypt.

Access File Properties

Navigate to the top menu bar, click on 'File', and select 'Properties' from the dropdown list.

Select the Security tab

In the Document Properties dialog box that appears, click on the 'Security' tab at the top.

Configure Password Security

Change the 'Security Method' dropdown from 'No Security' to 'Password Security'. A new window will appear where you can check the box to require a password to open the document, type your desired password, and set your encryption level.

Save the Document

Click 'OK' to confirm your password, and then save the PDF. The encryption will only be applied after the document is saved.

Apply Password Security via Document Properties

Encryption Complete: Once you save the document, the password protection becomes active. Anyone attempting to open or edit the file will now be prompted to enter the password.

Secure Your PDFs with WPS Office

Easily Encrypt and Password-Protect PDFs with WPS PDF

If you are looking for a fast, user-friendly, and cost-effective way to secure your PDF files, WPS Office provides robust PDF encryption tools. You can restrict opening, editing, and printing with just a few clicks.

1. Open the PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF document.
2. Navigate to the Protect tab: Click on the 'Protect' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
3. Apply PDF Encryption: Click on the 'Encrypt' button. In the prompt window, check the box for 'Set Open Password', enter your desired password, and configure any additional editing restrictions.
4. Confirm and Save: Click 'Confirm' and then save the file to ensure your new security settings are permanently applied.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different passwords for opening and editing the PDF?

Yes, in Acrobat Standard you can set a 'Document Open Password' to restrict viewing, and a separate 'Permissions Password' to restrict editing, copying, and printing functions.

What encryption level does Acrobat Standard DC 2018 use?

Acrobat Standard DC supports industry-standard encryption, typically offering 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption depending on the specific Acrobat compatibility settings you choose during setup.

Is it possible to remove the password protection later?

Yes. If you know the password and have permission rights, you can return to the Security tab in Document Properties, change the Security Method back to 'No Security', and save the document to remove the encryption.

Why is the 'Security Method' dropdown grayed out in Acrobat?

This usually happens if the document is digitally signed, certified, or already restricted by a permissions password that you do not have. You must have sufficient owner permissions to alter a file's security settings.

PDF Troubleshooting