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There's a common misconception that, once a document has been converted to PDF it can't be altered, but did you know that there are a number of programs that can be used to modify PDF files? From inserting or removing pages to changing a single character of text, these tools make it possible to easily edit your PDFs. Depending on the document, even the simplest modification can have disastrous consequences (imagine a single shift of a decimal point in a binding financial contract). However, one of the greatest features of PDF files is the ability to restrict how recipients can use them, through PDF security options. These options allow you to protect your files against unauthorized changes – you can even prevent users from viewing your file!

Adding security to your PDFs may sound complex, but PrimoPDF makes it easy to both convert your documents and add customized protection, all in a single action. Take a look at the security settings PrimoPDF has to offer:

• Open Password. Create a password that others will have to enter before they can look at your PDF.
• Permissions Password. Letting someone read your important PDF doesn't mean you want them to start making changes to it, right? By setting this special password, you can go on to customize what other people are allowed to do with your PDF. Permissions to consider include:
• Printing Allowed. Should users be allowed to print my PDF?
• Changes Allowed. Do I want just anyone adding comments or filling in form fields? What about adding or removing pages?
• Copying. Would it be okay for other people to copy text or images from my PDF onto their clipboard and use it in another program?
• Text Access. Will my PDF need to be used with a screen reader device for the visually impaired to be read aloud?

To add password security to your PDF, read on to learn how you can do it free with PrimoPDF.

1. Open the file to convert to PDF
2. Open the Print dialog (or press Ctrl+P)
3. In the printer list, choose PrimoPDF
4. Click Print
5. On the PrimoPDF dialog, click the Change button next to the Security label to open the security dialog.
6. Enter your Open password twice.
7. Optionally, enter a Permissions password and choose the functionality you want to restrict.
8. Click OK.
9. Click Create PDF.

Final Tip. If you want to apply security to all the PDF files you create, you can do it easily by correctly configuring PrimoPDF. At the bottom of the dialog (see above), just make sure the Always use these settings option is turned on.