How to Fix the Acrobat PDF Creator Security Level Is Too High Error
Question details
The user is unable to create a PDF using a newly purchased PDF creation application because of an error stating the security level is too high.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat PDF Creator
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create or convert a document into a PDF file.
- Observed behavior
- The application blocks the PDF creation process and displays the error message: "The Security Level is set too high."
Before troubleshooting the security level error, ensure your PDF software is updated to the latest version and restart your computer to clear any temporary application glitches.
Isolate the Issue with a Test Document
Determine whether the security error is caused by a system-wide setting or is isolated to a specific corrupted file by performing a simple test conversion.
PDF creation errors can often be triggered by complex formatting, embedded macros, or corruption within the specific file you are trying to convert. Testing a blank file helps narrow down the root cause.
Open Microsoft Word (or your default document editor) and type a simple sentence into a completely blank document.
Use the Acrobat PDFMaker add-in or the 'Save as Adobe PDF' option to convert this newly created test document into a PDF.
If the test document converts successfully, your original file may contain restrictive macros or formatting errors blocking the conversion. If the test fails, your application's security settings need to be adjusted.
Adjust Macro Security Settings in Microsoft Office
If you are converting from a Microsoft Office application, high macro security settings can block the PDFMaker add-in from running its required scripts.
Use WPS Office to Create and Convert PDFs Without Security Errors
Bypass complicated Acrobat security errors and macro settings entirely by using WPS Office. WPS Office includes a robust, built-in PDF converter that allows you to seamlessly export documents, spreadsheets, and presentations to PDF without relying on external, error-prone add-ins.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the document, spreadsheet, or presentation you wish to convert.
- 2. Access the Export menu: Click on the 'Menu' button located at the top-left corner of the application window.
- 3. Select Export to PDF: Choose 'Export to PDF' from the dropdown list of options.
- 4. Save your PDF: Review your export settings in the prompt dialog, and click the 'Export to PDF' button to safely generate and save your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF creator say the security level is set too high?
This error most commonly occurs when the source application, such as Microsoft Word, has strict macro security settings enabled. These high-security settings can block the PDF creation add-in from executing the background scripts necessary to generate the PDF file.
How do I know if the error is caused by a specific document or the software?
You can isolate the issue by creating a brand-new, blank document with just a few words of plain text. Try converting this new file to PDF. If it works, the issue is likely isolated to the formatting, embedded objects, or macros within your original document.
Where can I find my exact Adobe Acrobat version number?
Open your Adobe Acrobat application, click on the 'Help' tab in the top menu bar, and select 'About Adobe Acrobat' or 'About Adobe Reader'. A pop-up window will display your exact product name and version number.
Can I create a PDF without using the Acrobat add-in?
Yes. You can bypass the add-in entirely by using the native 'Save As' feature in your document editor and selecting PDF from the format dropdown. Alternatively, you can use built-in PDF tools found in free suites like WPS Office.
