how to lock pdf

How to Lock and Protect Your PDF

The Portable Document Format or PDF is one of the most common file formats used by consumers today. PDFs were first launched in 1993 by Adobe Systems. Earlier, internet users did not have an easy way to format information and exchange it with others in a secure way.The arrival of the PDF solved this issue. The secure PDF comes with a two-dimensional layout that enables the content to remain static, no matter which operating system the document was created in or consumed on. 

While these developments have made PDFs more popular, it has also led to the need to lock & protect your PDF.

Top Advantages of PDF Documents

The PDF was widely adopted for several reasons. Internet users could reimagine how they format documents and play with various layouts. They could use images and experiment with font sizes, colors, and hyperlinks. 

Secondly, they could create documents that offered uniform readability across a wide range of interfaces. This was not the case when using word files, where the formatting of text and images would change.

This is a reason why PDFs were widely adopted at workplaces for a wide range of official documents such as annual reports and white papers.

Many internet users have a common aspiration – they want to share content securely. If you are wondering how to make your PDF non-editable, the best way to do so is to password protect it. 

Hence, PDF, a password-protected document, enables one to share content without third parties being able to edit it. This was a valuable benefit.

How to Lock Your PDFs?

The simplest way to lock your PDF is to encrypt the document with a password. You can open a file in Acrobat and choose ‘Tools> Protect.’ You can offer relevant information. For instance, you can restrict editing of the file with a password. 

You can also enable the opening of the file with a password. Bank email financial statements via email are an example of a PDF with a password.

PDFs as eBooks

When eBooks first made an appearance, PDFs were the document of choice due to their layout options and readability benefits. 

The security of eBooks, however, is a growing concern due to the growth of online piracy and duplication. These incidents eat into the publisher’s revenues, which could be a business or an individual author. 

While an eBook in the form of a PDF is a password-protected document, it does not guarantee the non-violation of copyrights. There is also no way to track revenues digitally. 

This is why eBook publishers and authors are experimenting with the ePUB format, as it offers more flexibility in terms of multimedia and customized reading. 

When eBooks are produced or converted from PDFs to ePUB forms using a digital publishing platform such as KITABOO, authors and publishers can ensure digital rights management as an extension of this process.

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Also Read: Convert PDF to Reflowable ePub

Advantages of PDF to ePUB Conversion

If you already have eBooks in PDF format, you can consider converting them into the ePUB format by leveraging the superior benefits of easy-to-access digital publishing software. 

Here’s a snapshot of key advantages:

Swift, Easy Conversion

It’s always easy to produce an eBook when you already have the material at hand. Digital publishing software enables easy conversion of PDF into the ePUB format. 

This extremely user-friendly, intuitive interface enables you to reimagine the eBook with fresh elements such as videos, audio, and polls. 

The conversion takes a brief amount of time and is an extremely seamless process.

Say Goodbye to Heavy Files

Since ePUB files or extensions are stored as zip files, they tend to be less heavy as compared to PDF files. Another advantage of ePUB files is that they tend to resize automatically when opened on any device. 

When you open a PDF on a new device, you will have to resize it physically. Hence, as we can see, the portability of ePUB is superior.

Access the Benefits of Reflowable Text

EPUB eBooks are made up of many elements, such as infographics, videos, quizzes, and gamification. Yet, the content automatically re-flows easily when opened up on any device. 

This creates a seamless reading experience, and the reader is not engaged in continuously making adjustments on the screen.

In contrast, PDFs do not automatically optimize on one’s screen, and there is a need to zoom in and out physically.

Enhanced Distribution

ePUB files are easy to access over a wide range of platforms, operating systems, and browsers, thus enhancing the reach of ePUB eBooks. 

They are also searchable, which improves their discoverability in online search results.

Go-to Format for Publishers

The international digital publishing community has embraced eBooks in the ePUB format because the ecosystem for it is well-developed. It is compatible with most ebook readers as well as KITABOO’s state-of-the-art eReader. 

They can also be easily sold via eCommerce platforms and digital bookstores.

Highly Interactive

Today, audiences not only want to consume eBooks but also want to engage with them and be part of the experience. Hence, authors can be more creative in designing eBooks that ignite the imagination of readers. 

When converting PDF content into ePUB, you can also make it much more interactive and engaging for the readers.

High Security & Measurability

The ePUB format is backed by DRM protection, which boosts the security of any file and protects it from incidents such as online piracy and duplication. 

For instance, users need to acquire permission from publishers before getting access to eBooks. Publishers also get access to analytics that inform them about the consumer interests and usage of their eBooks. 

Though PDF is password protected, it does not protect the document from piracy. Nor can the usability be tracked.

Driving up Revenues

Due to the higher security capabilities of the ePUB ecosystem, authors and publishers can drive higher returns on investment in their efforts. 

The overall cost of conversion is low, and eBooks can be taken to market faster.

Wrapping Up

Today, ePUB is growing as a preferred format among publishers. It is also easy to convert your PDFs into ePUB files using a state-of-the-art digital publishing platform. 

Publishing companies, authors, and content creators can utilize end-to-end publishing platforms like KITABOO to convert PDFs into ePUB formats, create fresh content, and distribute, protect and measure the success of their eBooks. 

This is an effective way to expedite the creation of digital content and increase the reach of your eBooks.

Contact our expert team now and get started! 

To know more, write to us at KITABOO@hurix.com

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Mike Harman

Mike Harman

Mike is the SVP Business Development at KITABOO. He has over 30 years experience in achieving consistent top-line revenue growth and building mutually beneficial relationships. More posts by Mike Harman