PDF files are widely used for sharing invoices, reports, forms, ebooks, bank statements, and other important documents because they preserve the original formatting across devices. However, some PDF files are protected with printing restrictions, which can prevent users from printing the document even when they can open and read it normally.
If you have a PDF that you are authorized to print but cannot send to a printer, you may need to remove its printing restriction first. The good news is that there are several ways to unlock protected PDF for printing, depending on the type of protection applied to the file.
This guide explains what print-protected PDFs are, why printing may be disabled, how to check PDF security settings, and different methods you can use to enable printing.
What Does It Mean to Have a PDF Protected for Printing?
A PDF can contain different types of security settings. One common option allows users to open and view the document but restricts certain actions, such as printing, editing, copying, or commenting.
For example, you may open a PDF without entering a password, but when you select File > Print, the Print option may be disabled or the application may display a message indicating that printing is not permitted.
This is generally known as permission or owner-password protection.
A PDF may have two different password types:
- User/Open password: Required to open and view the PDF.
- Owner/Permissions password: Controls actions such as printing, editing, copying, and commenting.
Therefore, a PDF that opens normally but cannot be printed is often protected by permissions rather than an open password.
Why Is Printing Restricted in a PDF?
PDF authors or organizations may restrict printing for several reasons. Common examples include:
- Protecting copyrighted ebooks and digital publications
- Preventing unauthorized distribution of documents
- Controlling how confidential reports are reproduced
- Protecting forms or templates from being copied
- Restricting printing of sensitive business documents
Method 1: Unlock Protected PDF for Printing Using the Password
The simplest and most legitimate method is to use the permissions password if you know it.
Depending on the PDF software you use, you may be able to change or remove the security settings after authenticating with the password.
Steps
- Open the protected PDF in a compatible PDF application.
- Enter the password if prompted.
- Open the document's Security or Properties settings.
- Locate the permissions or security options.
- Change the printing permission to Allowed.
- Save the PDF as a new file.
- Open the newly saved file and test the Print option.
This method is preferable because you are using the credentials provided by the document owner.
Advantages
- Official and straightforward method
- Does not require password recovery
- Maintains the original document more reliably
- Suitable for authorized users
Limitation
You need the appropriate password and sufficient permission to change the document's security settings.
Method 2: Unlock PDF Printing Restrictions Using a Desktop Tool
If you're wondering how to unlock protected PDF for printing, use SysTools PDF Password Unlocker. This is a professional offline utility, designed for Windows or macOS. Using the software, you can effortlessly remove the protection and permissions, such as editing, content copying, printing, and more in a single attempt. The process occurs locally on your system, preventing the changes of any loss. This way, you can bypass the print protection and make printable PDF files in seconds. Now, follow the quick steps to unlock protected PDF for printing:
1. Download the aforementioned utility on your machine.
2. Use Add Files or Folders to upload the required PDF file.
3. Click on Save and Change to browse the destination path.
4. Finally, hit the Unlock button to access the document for printing.
Conclusion
In the above guide, we have listed how to unlock protected PDF for printing. Compared to Adobe, SysTools mentioned solution is more secure and cost-effective for the users. This way, you can access the document for printing. Besides this, it offers fast and batch processing; ideal for businesses and professionals.
