How to Make a PDF Not Editable in 5 Quick Methods

Part 1. 5 Simple Ways on How to Make a PDF Not Editable

#Method 1: The Best and Easiest Way — Using Tenorshare PDNob

If you're looking for how to make a PDF not editable without any hassle, Tenorshare PDNob PDF Editor is one of the best tools available. This all-in-one PDF editor offers a powerful PDF Protection feature that allows users to restrict editing, copying, and printing with just a few clicks.

Whether you're securing contracts, reports, or even forms, Tenorshare PDNob lets you make a PDF fillable but not editable, giving you complete control over your documents.

Why Tenorshare PDNob Is Ideal for PDF Protection

• User-friendly Interface: No steep learning curve — perfect for beginners.
• Advanced Security Options: Set passwords, restrict editing, and manage permissions.
• Cross-platform Support: Works on both Windows and macOS.
• Fast and Reliable: Processes files quickly without compromising quality.

Now, let’s walk through how to make a PDF not editable using Tenorshare PDNob.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Download and Install Tenorshare PDNob on your computer.
• After installation, launch PDNob and click on “Open File” to upload the PDF you want to protect.

• Once your document is open, navigate to the ‘Protect’ tab located at the top toolbar and then choose “Encrypt.”

• A dialog box will appear where you can set a password and define what others can or cannot do with your PDF. Check the option that says “Set editing and page restrictions password” and enter a password to prevent others from changing these settings.


You can also choose the individual aspects of the document that you would like restricted.

• After setting the desired restrictions, click “Save” and then save your file. Your PDF is now locked—viewers can open and read it, but they won’t be able to make edits.

With Tenorshare PDNob, learning how to make a PDF not editable becomes a quick and reliable process. It’s especially useful if you need to make a PDF fillable but not editable, such as a form where users can type in information but not change the structure or questions. Whether you're a student, business owner, or freelancer, this method ensures your PDF content stays exactly the way you intended.

#Method 2: How to Make a PDF Not Editable with Adobe

If you're already using Adobe Acrobat, you’re in luck — it's one of the most reliable tools for securing PDF documents. Many professionals turn to Adobe because of its robust features and industry-standard performance. If you’re searching for how to make a PDF not editable Adobe is often the first recommendation.

With Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can easily set permissions to restrict changes and prevent others from editing your file. This is a go-to solution for users who want to know how to make a PDF file not editable without relying on third-party tools.

Why Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat is widely used because of its:

• Advanced PDF Editing Tools: Full control over document structure and content.
• Trusted Security Features: Strong encryption and permission settings.
• Cross-platform Support: Works across Windows, macOS, and mobile platforms.
• Cloud Integration: Seamlessly sync and protect files via Adobe Document Cloud.

Pros and Cons

How to Make a PDF File Not Editable Using Adobe Acrobat

• Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Go to Tools > Protect.

• Click “Restrict Editing” and set a password when prompted
• Save your file. Now the PDF is read-only for anyone without the password.

#Method 3: How to Make a PDF Not Editable on Mac

If you're using a Mac and want a simple way to secure your PDF, macOS offers a built-in solution through the Preview app. For those searching how to make a PDF not editable Mac, Preview provides a quick, no-cost option for adding basic protection to your files.

While it doesn’t offer the advanced features of third-party tools, it’s perfect for users who just want lightweight security without installing extra software. If your goal is how to make a PDF file not editable with minimal effort, this method does the job.

How to Make a PDF Not Editable on Mac Using Preview

• Open your PDF file in Preview.
• Click File > Edit Permissions.

• Select the restrictions you would like to apply in the dialogue box that appears and click “Apply.”

#Method 4: How to Make a PDF Document Not Editable Online

If you're looking for how to make a PDF not editable without downloading software, online tools like Smallpdf offer a convenient solution. These platforms are especially helpful when you're short on time or using a shared device. With just a few clicks, you can upload your file and apply security settings to prevent edits.

This method is ideal for quick fixes, but it’s worth noting that online tools might not be suitable for highly sensitive documents due to potential privacy concerns. Still, for everyday use, it’s a fast and user-friendly way to learn how to make a PDF document not editable.

How to Make a PDF Document Not EditableUsing Smallpdf

• Go to smallpdf.com/protect-pdf.
• Upload your PDF file.
• Set a password and apply restrictions to disable editing.

• Download your newly protected PDF.

Just like that, your PDF is secured—no software installation required. If you're wondering how to make a PDF not editable while on the go, this is one of the most accessible options.

#Method 5: How to Make a PDF File Not Editable Not Printable

If you're using Microsoft Word, you can apply basic restrictions before exporting your document as a secured PDF. This method is perfect for users who want to know how to make a PDF file not editable not printable without downloading any additional tools.

By leveraging Word’s built-in security settings, you can restrict editing and printing when saving the file as a PDF. While it's not as robust as professional PDF editors, it works well for everyday documents like forms, proposals, or drafts.

How to Use Microsoft Word to Lock a PDF

• Open or create your document in Microsoft Word.
• Click File > Save As, then select PDF as the file type.
• Click “Options” in the save dialog.
• Under “PDF Options”, check “Encrypt the document with a password”.

• Set a password and adjust permissions to restrict both editing and printing.

Part 2.Comparison Table — 5 Methods at a Glance

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Part 3.FAQs — How to Make a PDF Not Editable

Q1: Can I make a PDF fillable but not editable?

Yes, you can! Tools like Adobe Acrobat and Tenorshare PDNob allow you to make a PDF fillable but not editable. This means users can complete form fields but cannot modify the structure or content of the document.

Q2: How do I make a PDF not editable and not printable?

To make a PDF file not editable not printable, use software that allows you to set both editing and printing restrictions. Tenorshare PDNob lets you apply these protections using password-based security.

Q3: What's the difference between read-only and non-editable PDFs?

A read-only PDF typically restricts editing and may also prevent copying or printing. A non-editable PDF focuses specifically on blocking changes to the content, though it may still be printable or viewable unless further restrictions are applied.

Q4: Can online tools be trusted for sensitive documents?

While online tools like Smallpdf are convenient, they may not be ideal for highly sensitive data. For full control and privacy, it’s best to use offline desktop software when working with confidential files.

Part 4.Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve explored five effective ways to make a PDF not editable: using Tenorshare PDNob, Adobe Acrobat, Mac Preview, Smallpdf, and Microsoft Word. While each method has its benefits, Tenorshare PDNob stands out as the easiest and safest choice for most users due to its robust features and cross-platform support. Whether you’re securing contracts, invoices, or forms, protecting your PDFs from unauthorized edits is crucial for professional and legal usage. Ensure your documents remain intact and secure with the right tools for the job.

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