Make a PDF non-copyable in 3 steps
- 1
Open Copy Permissions
Go to Copy Permissions and add your PDF. The first control, Allow copying text and images, is already unticked.
- 2
Review the other permissions
Printing, editing and comments stay allowed unless you change them under Other permissions. Tick Also require a password to open the PDF only if the file should be private as well.
- 3
Apply and download
Click Apply permissions. The report should show Copying text and images: Not allowed. Save the owner password shown once, then click Download PDF.
What "no copying" blocks, and what it doesn't
- Blocked in compliant readers: selecting text to copy, copying images, and exporting content to other formats.
- Still allowed: reading the text on screen, searching it in most readers, and printing unless you also restrict it.
- Always allowed: text access for screen readers. Modern PDF encryption cannot switch this off, so blind and low-vision readers keep full access.
Can someone still copy the text?
Yes, with some effort. The copy restriction is a flag, not a lock on the text. A file that opens without a password can be read by any program, and tools that ignore the flag will extract it. Screenshots plus OCR also work. Think of the setting as a polite but firm "please don't", which stops most casual copy-and-paste.
For stronger deterrence, combine measures: add a watermark with the recipient's name so leaked copies are traceable, and require an open password so only intended people can read the file at all.
Copy Permissions vs Editing Permissions
Blocking copying does not stop someone from editing the file in a PDF editor, and blocking editing does not stop copying. They are separate flags. If you are sending a finished document you don't want reused or altered, turn both off. Open Other permissions here, or start from Editing Permissions and untick copying there. The prevent editing guide explains the two editing switches.
Check that copying is blocked
Open the downloaded file in Adobe Acrobat Reader or Chrome, select a line of text and try to copy it. In Acrobat Reader, File > Properties > Security lists Content Copying as Not Allowed. If you want to undo it, unlock the file with Remove PDF Password.
Frequently asked questions
Does this also stop people from downloading the PDF?
No. Permissions travel inside the file and control what a reader does once the file is open. Anyone you send the file to has a copy.
Will search still work in a copy-protected PDF?
In most readers, yes. The text is still in the file; only copying out of it is restricted.
Can I block copying and printing at once?
Yes. Expand Other permissions and set Printing to Not allowed, or start from Printing Permissions and untick copying.