How to Password Protect Digitally Signed and Scanned PDF Documents

Adding a password to your PDF documents ensures security and restricts unauthorized access. Whether the document is digitally signed or scanned, the process involves a few easy steps to safeguard sensitive information. This guide outlines the step-by-step process for password-protecting both types of PDF documents.

How to Password Protect Digitally Signed PDF Documents

Step 1: Open and Print the Document

1. Open the digitally signed PDF document.
2. Go to File > Print.
3. Choose Adobe PDF as the printer.
4. Click Print.

Step 2: Save the Document

1. Enter a file name for the PDF.
2. Click Save.

Step 3: Set Security Settings

1. A prompt for security settings will appear (Adobe PDF – Security):
   • Check the box for Require a password to open the document.
   • Type your desired password in the Document Open Password field.
   • Retype the password for confirmation in the corresponding box.
2. Click OK.

Step 4: Confirm the Password

1. When prompted, enter the password to confirm the protection.
2. Your document is now password-protected.

How to Password Protect Scanned PDF Documents

Step 1: Open the PDF

1. Open the scanned PDF document in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Navigate to Tools > Protection > Encrypt > Encrypt with Password.

Step 2: Enable Security

1. If prompted, click Yes to change the security settings.

Step 3: Set the Password

1. Check the box for Require A Password To Open The Document.
2. Enter your desired password in the field.
   • The Password Strength Meter will evaluate the strength of your password.
3. Retype the password to confirm.

Step 4: Select Compatibility

From the Compatibility drop-down menu, choose a version equal to or lower than the recipient's version of Acrobat or Reader: