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How to Convert Normal PDF to Secured PDF (Protected)

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Published By Nilesh Kumar
Debasish Pramanik
Approved By Debasish Pramanik
Published On December 3rd, 2024
Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading
Category Converter

In this guide, you will explore the importance, techniques, and various advantages to convert normal PDF to secured PDF file format. In cases where a PDF contains some sensitive/important content then it is better to set password to open that PDF file. Once the information enters the PDF format and is locked and secured, only the person who has the password can open it.

For those who want to Convert Secured PDF to Normal PDF (Opposite Conversion) CLICK HERE!

Among the professionals, PDF remains the most used format for document sharing and reporting. Its advantage is the possibility to set several security restrictions on the PDF file They can choose to set owner level or user level password along with several restrictions like copy, edit, print, etc. This makes PDF one of the most secure formats available today and this is why many businesses deal with their vital information in PDF format.

Let’s take a look at the importance of securing your PDF file. Then we will move onto the steps to convert normal PDF to protected PDF file.

The Benefits of Converting Normal PDF to Secured PDF

Here are some of the advantages of having a restricted PDF.

  • When you convert normal PDF to protected PDF, you’re modifying its security and making it safer. This way only those who knows the password to get in will be able to scrutinize the data. As a result PDF will have higher privacy and security levels.
  • Secured PDF files allow you to determine the access level of other users. PDF access rights can be compared to having a virtual key that would open the file only to some users.
  • Encryption or password maintains the integrity of the document. There is assurance that the contents of the document are reliable and can remain untouchable over time.

Method 1. How to Convert Normal PDF to Protected PDF Online

Users can use an online platform if they want to convert their PDF file quickly. However, keep in mind that you are uploading all your files directly into their database. So, avoid this method if your PDF contains important / sensitive data. If data privacy is not abig deal, then opt for the bewlo given steps to convert files online.

Follow these steps to convert and password-protect a PDF file: 

Step-1. Go to the website that provides PDF encryption.

Step-2. After that, upload the preferred PDF.

Step-3. Next, select the option to set or create a password.

Step-4. Finally, click the Secure button and download the converterd file.

Method 2. Adobe Acrobat Pro to Convert Normal PDF to Secured PDF

You can use the manual method to convert PDF to secured PDF and secure your data privacy. A step-by-step tutorial is provided below:

Step-1. Download Adobe Acrobat Pro from the internet onto your computer. Open the PDF file, which you want to protect.

Step-2. Go up to the “File” top level option and find the command “Protect Using Password” or similar option based on your software type.

Step-3. Click the Security tab and choose “Encrypt with Password.” This will ask you for a password for the PDF you shall set.

Step-4. Select an ingenious password and it should be one that incorporates security as well as memorability. If you won’t be able to remember it, save it somewhere private.

Step-5. Then, you are required to confirm the password by typing the same password again.

Step-6. Eventually, save the PDF document with the password still on. Now it is the secured PDF format restricted with password.

Automated Method: Convert Normal PDF to Protected PDF in Bulk

Users can directly convert their PDF files online and also with Adobe Acrobat. But, it will only prove to be beneficial with relatively small numbers of PDF files. It will anyway take a lot of time to convert each individual file at one go in this process.

Fortunately, using Secure PDF Software, one will be able to easily convert normal PDF to secured PDF in bulk. Here are some of its key features:

  • Prevents one from accessing wrong information by restricting documents access.
  • It’s possible to add a restriction to printing, copying, editing, or extracting pages from PDF files.
  • An Owner can apply settings such that users cant comment on PDF files.
  • Permission password and document password are two types of passwords that can be applied in PDF files as per user’s convenience.
  • It is possible to use this tool without Adobe Acrobat.
  • The resulting PDF files can be saved in any directory of the computer that the user desires to.

Download the free demo version of the tool here, test it on your PDF files, then purchase the full version license for conversion without limits:

Download Now Purchase Now

Steps to Use the Automated Tool:

Follow these steps to convert normal PDF to protected PDF using the software:

Step 1. Download, install and run this automated tool on your computer.

Launch the tool to convert PDF to protected PDF

Step 2. Click on either “Add File” or “Add Folder” button to import PDF file(s) into the software. Users can select one or multiple PDF files at once.

Click add file or folder

Step 3. Choose the options to put password or restrictions on the file.

Select the settings

Step 4. Step 4. Click on the “Lock PDF” button to start converting imported files in bulk.

lock the file

Step 5. Last but not least, users can verify the security settings of exported PDF files.

After this, you can share all your safely locked PDF files with other people while keeping your important information safe.

Afterwards, sometimes you may require converting secured pdf back to as normal pdfs or standard pdfs. Here is a quick guide on how to do it:

Step-1. Start a PDF reader and open the protected PDF that you wish to convert into normal PDF.

Step-2. To this, you will be asked to insert the password that was used to secure the PDF at first. Unless you have the correct password, you cannot edit it or change it.

Step-3. Then go the the option which is labeled as “File”. Then click on “Print.” If you are outputting via the print dialog box you can select “Save, as PDF.” Choose that option.

Step-4.

For those who want to do Opposite Conversion!

Single Conversion:

Subsequently, in some circumstances, you might need to change secured PDFs back to standard PDFs. Here is a quick guide on how to do it:

Step-1. Launch a PDF reader and open the secured PDF that you want to convert back to a normal PDF.

Step-2. You’ll be prompted to enter the password that was used to secure the PDF initially. Without the correct password, you cannot make changes or convert it.

Step-3. Then navigate to the “File” menu. Then click on “Print.” In the print dialog box, you’ll find an option to select “Save, as PDF.” Choose that option.

Step-4. Enter the folder and name you’d like to use for the normal PDF and click on ‘Save.’ this will remove all the security features from the secured PDF converting it into an ordinary PDF.

Batch Conversion

For batch conversion, use PDF Password Protection Remover Software.

Download Now Purchase Now

Final Words

Use the above given methods to convert normal PDF to secured PDF in order to secure your files. It facilitates data security, prevents unauthorized access and enables you to manage data sharing and maintain compliance with the requirements.

The aim of performing both the manual method or using automated tools is to protect the content of your digital files. So choose a method that you would wish to use and make sure that your information is secure all the time.

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By Nilesh Kumar

As a Chief Technical Writer, I know the technical issues faced by home and professional users. So, I decided to share all my knowledge via this blog. I love to help you with challenges while dealing with technical jargon.