Restrict Printing & Copying
Lock a PDF so readers cannot print it or copy its text. Runs entirely in your browser, so your data never leaves your device.
Drop a PDF here, or click to browse
Files never leave your device
Output
The result appears here as you type.
How to use Restrict Printing & Copying
- 1. Add the PDF to restrict. Drop a .pdf file into the workspace. Restrict Printing & Copying loads its pages so you can confirm it's the right document before applying permissions.
- 2. Set an owner password. Owner password protects the restrictions themselves, so only someone with this password can later change the permissions or remove the lock; the document can still open without it.
- 3. Apply the restriction. The tool sets the document's permission flags so compliant PDF readers block printing and text selection while still letting anyone open and read the file on screen.
- 4. Download the restricted PDF. Save the locked file and share it as usual. Readers can view every page normally but find the print and copy options disabled or unavailable in their viewer.
When to use Restrict Printing & Copying
Restrict Printing & Copying is for letting people read a PDF on screen while stopping them from printing it or lifting its text into another document. It's a lighter control than a full open password, useful when the goal is discouraging redistribution rather than blocking access entirely.
- Sharing draft manuscript with reviewers. An author shares an unpublished manuscript with beta readers and wants them to read it on screen without being able to print copies or paste passages elsewhere.
- Distributing licensed training material. A training company sells access to a course workbook and restricts printing and copying so paying customers can study the PDF without easily redistributing its content.
- Protecting a proprietary internal process document. An internal procedures document contains specifics a company doesn't want copied into external emails, so restricting text selection discourages casual copy-pasting while keeping the file readable.
- Limiting reproduction of a design portfolio. A designer shares a portfolio PDF with a potential client and restricts printing so the work can be reviewed on screen without producing physical copies that could circulate further.
About the Restrict Printing & Copying tool
Restrict Printing & Copying runs as plain JavaScript in your browser tab, with no server behind it. Lock a PDF so readers cannot print it or copy its text. Whatever you put in stays on your device from start to finish.
The tool is part of EditSafely's PDF Tools section, 92 single-purpose utilities built around the same idea: open the page, get the result, keep your data to yourself.
You can shape the output with the Owner password setting, and the result refreshes the moment you change it. The finished file is put together in browser memory and saved with the Download button, so it never touches a server on the way to your disk.
That local-first design has practical benefits beyond privacy. The tool keeps working on a flaky connection once the page has loaded, results are instant because nothing round-trips to a server, and it is safe to use with confidential material.
Frequently asked questions
Is Restrict Printing & Copying free to use?
Yes, it is completely free. All 2,658 tools on EditSafely work without an account, a subscription or usage limits.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
Everything happens locally. Your browser downloads the tool's code once, then does all the processing itself; nothing you enter is transmitted, stored or logged. You can even go offline after the page loads and it will still work.
Which files does Restrict Printing & Copying accept?
It accepts PDF documents. There is no file size cap imposed by a server; very large files are limited only by your device's memory.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?
No. The tool works in any modern browser on desktop, tablet or phone. There is no account to create, no extension to add and no software to install.
How do I save the output?
Click the Download button once the result is ready. The file is built in your browser's memory and handed straight to your downloads folder, without passing through a server.