Adding Security to PDF Files in Illustrator

Illustrator is great for creating logos, illustrations, identity packages and much more. After you have created your project in Illustrator it is super simple to save it in PDF format, making it easy for proofing with clients. When proofing projects with clients, you usually don’t want the client to have access to editing or copying the files until you have received payment for the project.

Why Use Security?

I like to add security to my file for proofing purposes. When I send a PDF proof to a client I don’t want them to open up the PDF in their own copy of Illustrator and make changes or start using the project without payment. Adding security will also allow you to add a password to open the file and limit printing and copying capabilities.

Adding Security to Your PDF Files

After you have created you project, go File > Save As and choose Adobe PDF from the Format drop-down menu in the Save As dialog. When the Save Adobe PDF dialog opens, click on the Security link from the vertical menu in the left side of the dialog.

Require a Password to Open Document

When this option is selected, you will be prompted to enter a password to open the PDF document.

Use a Password to Restrict Editing Security and Permissions Password

When this option is selected, you will be prompted to enter a password to edit the document. Any program that can edit a PDF (Illustrator, Acrobat Reader, etc…) will require a password to edit the document.

Printing Allowed

From this pop-up menu, you can specify permissions to allow no printing, low resolution printing, or high resolution printing.

Changes Allowed

Use the Changes Allowed drop-down menu to limit the changes a user can preform on your PDF file.

Copying of Content

Uncheck this option to limit the copying of content from PDF file.

Enable Text Access

If you are limiting the copying of text and other content, you can select this option to allow visually impaired programs access to the text in the PDF.

Enable Plaintext Metadata

Selecting this option will enable the user to copy the metadata from your PDF file

Save as a Preset

Once you have adjusted all your PDF security options, you can easily save a preset by clicking the Save Preset button.

Do You Secure You PDF files?

Securing my PDF files for proofing is a crucial step in my project flow. Do you secure your files or do you use a different approach?

http://bit.ly/9HNobI