How to Change a Secured PDF: A Comprehensive Guide
In today’s digital age, PDFs have become the standard format for sharing documents due to their ease of use and security features. However, when you encounter a secured PDF, making changes to it can be a daunting task. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to change a secured PDF, ensuring that you can modify and edit your documents without any hassle.
Understanding PDF Security
Before diving into the methods to change a secured PDF, it’s essential to understand the security features that protect these documents. PDFs can be secured using various methods, such as password protection, digital signatures, and restrictions on printing, copying, and editing. Knowing the type of security applied to your PDF will help you choose the most appropriate method to unlock and modify it.
Method 1: Unlocking with a Password
If your secured PDF is protected with a password, you can easily unlock it by following these steps:
1. Open the secured PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Enter the password when prompted.
3. Once the document is unlocked, you can make changes using the editing tools available in the software.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party PDF Editor
If the first method doesn’t work, you can try using a third-party PDF editor that supports secured PDFs. Some popular options include:
1. Wondershare PDFelement
2. Nitro Pro
3. Foxit PhantomPDF
These editors offer robust features for modifying secured PDFs. Here’s how to change a secured PDF using a third-party editor:
1. Open the secured PDF in the chosen PDF editor.
2. Enter the password when prompted.
3. Once the document is unlocked, use the editor’s tools to make the desired changes.
Method 3: Using Online PDF Tools
If you prefer not to install any software, you can use online PDF tools to change a secured PDF. Some popular online tools include:
1. Smallpdf
2. iLovePDF
3. PDF2Go
Here’s how to change a secured PDF using an online tool:
1. Visit the chosen online PDF tool’s website.
2. Upload the secured PDF.
3. Enter the password when prompted.
4. Use the online tool’s features to make changes to the document.
5. Download the modified PDF.
Method 4: Creating a New PDF
If all else fails, you can create a new PDF from the secured document. This method is not as efficient as editing the original PDF but can be useful in certain situations. Here’s how to create a new PDF:
1. Open the secured PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Select “File” > “Print.”
3. Choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” as the printer and click “Print.”
4. Save the PDF as a new file.
Conclusion
Changing a secured PDF can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and methods, it’s possible to modify and edit your documents without any issues. Whether you choose to unlock the PDF with a password, use a third-party PDF editor, or create a new PDF, this guide will help you navigate the process with ease.
