Purpose

This article explains how to password protect a document using PDF XChange Editor to prevent unauthorized access.

Scope

  • PDF XChange Editor

  • PDF documents

Prerequisites

  • PDF XChange Editor installed

  • PDF file accessible on the local machine

Procedure

  1. Open the PDF file in PDF XChange Editor.

  2. Select File → Document Properties.

  3. In the Document Properties window, select the Security tab.

  4. From the Security Method dropdown menu, choose Password Security.

  5. The Password Security settings window will open.

  6. Check Require password to open the document.

  7. Enter the desired password in both password fields.

  8. Select OK to apply the changes.

Expected Result

  • The document will now require a password before it can be opened.

  • Users without the password will be unable to access the file contents.

Security Best Practices

  • Do not include the password in the same email as the document.

  • Send the password separately using a different method, such as:

    • SMS/text message

    • Phone call

  • Use a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Troubleshooting

Password Prompt Does Not Appear

  • Confirm the document was saved after applying password protection

  • Reopen the file to verify the password prompt

Password Forgotten

  • Password-protected PDFs cannot be recovered without the password

  • Contact the document owner if access is required