PDF Hacks – A Comprehensive Tutorial For PDF Files

You must have used MS Office and other applications to exchange information in a presentable format. {PDF} – Portable Document Format, is one among them. PDF is developed by Adobe to share information with text, images, and tabular formats. We have used PDF files to share instructions, bank statements, informative documents or other important documents without losing its originality.

For those who want to know how to convert PDF to Word, or use PDF Converter, PDF Editor, PDF Creator, PDF Reader, here we have compiled a few (How To Steps) around PDF Files which you might not be aware of.

Creating A PDF Document

There are several ways to create a PDF file format. We can create a PDF file using a Word Document on a PC, Use an online converter on a PC or a Mac or by using the Google Chrome browser to create a PDF. There are numerous PDF creator software to solve the purpose. Let’s explore the most basic and handy ways to create PDF Files.

Convert Word to PDF File

Word to PDF

Step 1. Create a new Word Document or open an existing one.

Step 2. Once you are done with the document creation or editing, click on ‘File’ Menu Select ‘Save As’ from the left-hand side panel enter the file name Select a file location to save Under ‘Save As Type’ select ‘PDF’ File type and click on save.

Step 3. Check the document in your selected location and you will find a PDF document which will open with Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF reader application.

Alternatively, you may also try an online PDF converter to drag and drop a document to convert in PDF File format.

Password Protect PDF Files

Password Protect PDF File

To set password protection on a PDF file, we need to perform the following steps:

Step 1. Open the PDF File using Acrobat Reader and choose Tools Protect Encrypt Encrypt with Password.

Step 2. If prompted, click ‘Yes’ to change the security settings.

Step 3. Put a check on ‘Require A Password To Open The Document’, Enter the password in the corresponding field. At each keystroke, the password strength meter will evaluate your password strength and indicate the strength level. Make it a strong one and something which you can remember.

Step 4. Select the Acrobat version from the compatibility list and select an encryption option.

Set Restriction on Editing a PDF File

PDF Settings allow you to set restrictions for making changes to PDF Files. The Restrict Editing option forbids users from moving objects, editing text, or adding form fields. A user is still able to fill form fields, sign, or add comments to the file.

Step 1. Open a PDF File Go to ‘Tools’ Menu Select ‘Protect’ Click on ‘Restrict Editing’.

Step 2. If you get a prompt, click ‘Yes’ to edit the security settings.

Step 3. Enter the password in the corresponding field. At each keystroke, the password strength meter will evaluate your password strength and indicate the strength level. You can keep the same password which you used to lock the file.

Also Read: Best Web Browsers of all time

Restrict Editing, Copying and Printing A PDF File

PDF settings have a wide range of options. You can restrict users from Editing, Copying or Printing any content from a PDF File. You can set up the restrictions as per your preferences. Any user can’t change these restrictions unless he enters the required password for permissions.

Step 1. Open the PDF File using Adobe and go to ‘Tools’ ‘Protect’ ‘Encrypt’ and then click on ‘Encrypt with Password’.

Step 2. On prompt, click ‘Yes’ to edit the security settings.

Step 3. Under permissions, put a check mark on ‘Restrict Editing And Printing Of The Document’.

Step 4. Select what the user can print or change from the respective drop-down menus.

Step 5. Putting or removing a check in front of ‘Enable Copying Of Text, Images, And Other Content’ will allow or deny permissions to copy text, images or other content.

Password Security Settings - PDF File

Note: In case you forget a password to a PDF File, there is no way you can recover it. It’s advisable to keep an unprotected copy of the PDF File. To open a controlled PDF File using InDesign, Illustrator or Photoshop, the user must enter the password.

Remove Password From A PDF File

Whenever you realize that the document is no longer private or to be kept secure, you do have the option to eliminate the password security from the PDF File. You should have the password handy to perform this action. In case the PDF File is secured with a server-based security policy, the password can be removed only by the policy author or administrator of the File.

Step 1. Open a PDF File Go to ‘Tools’ click on ‘Protect’ then select ‘Encrypt’ and click on ‘Remove Security’.

Step 2. If you have set up a password to open the document, click ‘Ok’ to remove the password from the document. If you do have a permissions password, Enter the password, and click ‘Ok’ and confirm changes.

Using Free Online Tools To Edit PDF Files

There are numerous PDF Editors available online to edit, convert or perform several actions on a PDF File. We have reviewed and chose the best PDF Editors which are free to access and perform the following tasks:

Convert to PDF Edit a PDF File Repair Corrupt PDF File
PDF to Text File Edit PDF Format Protect PDF File
Word to PDF Converter Merge PDF Files Unlock PDF File
Convert JPG to PDF Split PDF File Change PDF page size
Convert PowerPoint to PDF Sort and Delete PDF pages PDF to Word Converter
Convert Excel to PDF Rotate PDF pages Convert from PDF
Convert PDF to PowerPoint Compress PDF Files Convert PDF to JPG

Note: There are always limitations and drawbacks of using online tools. The only drawback in using Online PDF Editors is that your data is no longer secured as it is uploaded on a public server for any sort of editing or amendments.

Best PDF Readers

We generally open PDF files received in Email which opens in the browser itself. You must have Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader or Foxit software to read and open offline PDF Files. Browsers can also open PDF files however they are accessible online.

Wrapping Up

We are sure, after going through this article, working on a PDF File would seem easy and useful as now you are aware of the most useful PDF Hacks. Here we have discussed step-by-step simulations to perform a few important tasks on PDF Files. Now we know how to create a PDF File, password protect a PDF File, convert PDF to Word, convert Word to PDF, Use best PDF editors, free online tools, PDF Reader Etc.

If you find this article interesting or if you want to know more tips and tricks on PDF Files, do write to us in comments. Continue reading on other useful tips and tricks on the search section of our blog.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Post

Recent Post

A New Immersive Experience: Apple Vision Pro Complete Review

By TechCommuters / June 8, 2023

Introduction: Are you ready to step into the future with Apple’s most groundbreaking creation to date—the Apple Vision Pro? Unveiled on June 6, 2023, at the WWDC 2023 conference, this mixed reality headset marks a pivotal moment as Apple steps into the world of spatial computing. Brace yourself for an unparalleled immersive journey as we […]

How to Fix PDF Not Opening in Chrome Browser

By TechCommuters / June 7, 2023

Introduction: Is PDF not opening in Chrome? We’ve got you covered. PDF (Portable Document Format) files have become an essential part of our lives, allowing us to easily share and access documents across different platforms. However, encountering issues with PDF files not opening in the Chrome browser can be incredibly frustrating, hindering our productivity and […]

How to Protect Your Electronics From Power Outages

By TechCommuters / June 5, 2023

Introduction: Our heavy reliance on electronics has become increasingly profound. From smartphones and laptops to home entertainment systems and valuable appliances, these devices play an indispensable role in our daily lives. However, the vulnerability of these electronics to unexpected power outages can lead to costly damages and data loss. Whether you live in an area […]

10 Best Screen Sharing Apps for iOS and Android

By TechCommuters / June 3, 2023

Introduction: Screen sharing has become crucial for seamless interaction in today’s interconnected world. With remote work, project collaborations, and staying connected being our everyday essentials, screen-sharing apps have evolved to meet our on-the-go needs, aligning perfectly with our constant companions. Well, you guessed it right, our smartphones and tablets. In this blog post, we have […]

How to Format an External Storage Device in macOS

By TechCommuters / June 1, 2023

Introduction: Are you ready to supercharge your Mac’s capabilities by connecting an external hard drive? Well, before you can embark on this storage adventure, there’s an important task at hand: formatting your external hard drive to work seamlessly with your Mac. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you […]

How to Install and Use PuTTY for Mac

By TechCommuters / May 30, 2023

Introduction: In the realm of remote server management and secure network communication, PuTTY has earned a reputation as a reliable and versatile tool. Originally designed for Windows, PuTTY has expanded its reach to include other operating systems, including macOS, to cater to the needs of a wider user base. Hence, if you’re a Mac user […]

How to Fix Black Screen at Boot on Windows 11/10

By TechCommuters / May 28, 2023

Introduction: Whether as an individual or a professional, we are all strictly reliant on technology in some or the other way. And amidst this, encountering frustrating issues like a black screen at boot hits us like a roadblock. The black screen boot issue can affect both laptops and desktop computers running various versions of Windows. […]

How to Fix the “Network Discovery is Turned Off” Error on Windows 11/10

By TechCommuters / May 26, 2023

Introduction: Among many common Windows errors, the “network discovery is turned off” error is an annoying obstacle that disrupts your workflow. Whether you’re trying to share files, stream media, or access shared printers, encountering this error can be perplexing and disruptive. The good news is that understanding the causes and solutions for this error can […]

How to Use the New Bing With ChatGPT

By TechCommuters / May 24, 2023

Introduction: Gone are the days of sifting through endless search results. With Bing, powered with ChatGPT, you can now ask questions in plain language and receive instant, personalized answers tailored to your needs. It’s like having a conversation with a knowledgeable search assistant right at your fingertips. So, agree or not, you are definitely in […]

How to Use Split Screen on a Mac

By TechCommuters / May 22, 2023

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced digital world, maximizing productivity is the key. Period. And being able to juggle multiple tasks seamlessly is a skill worth mastering. If you’re a Mac user looking to boost your multitasking abilities, you’re in luck. Apple’s macOS offers a powerful feature known as Split Screen, which allows you to effortlessly divide […]