To change PDF permissions and control what users can do with your document, you can use PDF.net or Adobe Acrobat.

To change PDF permissions, you can use tools like PDF.net or Adobe Acrobat.

These permissions represent settings applied to a document that control what users can do, including viewing, printing, copying, or editing the content. They help protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized use, so they are important for both individuals and businesses.

Follow along as we explore the different types of PDF permissions, show how to change them step-by-step, and share best practices for managing them effectively.

 determine who can view, edit, print, or copy a document

, protecting sensitive or proprietary content.

PDF.net lets users manage permissions online. You can encrypt, password-protect, or unlock PDFs directly in your browser.

Through Adobe Acrobat’s “Protect PDF” feature, you can restrict viewing, editing, or printing with customizable permission settings.

; once entered, restrictions can be safely modified or removed.

use strong passwords, test across devices, review permissions regularly, maintain an unrestricted backup, and pair permissions with encryption.

restrictions or settings applied to a PDF file that control what users can do with it. 

They are part of the PDF’s security features, usually managed through 

Allowing or preventing users from printing the document

Restricting the ability to copy content from the PDF

Controlling whether users can edit the content

Allowing or blocking form fields to be completed

PDF permissions are necessary whenever you want to control how a PDF file is used or shared. They are especially useful in situations 

If your PDF contains financial reports, legal contracts, or internal company documents, permissions can prevent unauthorized editing, copying, or printing.

For PDFs designed as forms, like surveys, applications, or registration forms, permissions can allow users to fill in fields but block them from altering the rest of the document.

E-books, whitepapers, or design files can be protected to prevent copying or printing without permission, helping maintain ownership rights.

How to Change PDF Permissions Using PDF Software

You can change PDF permissions using PDF.net and Adobe Acrobat.

PDF.net is an editor that allows you to manage and modify 

 through your browser. It offers a wide range of features suitable for 

during the editing process, and files are also deleted after processing to maintain your privacy.

Hover over More tools and select Protect PDF

Upload your file via the Drop file here to start or the Choose file function

Enter the password in the input field to secure your PDF file. 

Enter the password in the input field to secure your PDF file

 to set your PDF’s security permissions. 

Click Select password to set your PDF’s security permissions

, which secures your files by scrambling their contents into a format that can only be accessed with the correct password. This keeps your information 

Once you see the following screen, you can rest assured that your PDF security permissions are properly set and your file is protected.

Adobe Acrobat is a software suite widely used by individuals and businesses for

. The former is free and primarily for viewing and basic commenting, while the latter is paid with more advanced features.

Follow these steps to protect your PDF from editing, printing, and viewing:

if you want to restrict PDF viewing. To restrict 

Type it again in the second field to confirm it.

How to Remove PDF Permissions/Restrictions

You can also remove PDF permissions using the two programs mentioned above.

. Open the PDF in software like PDF.net or Adobe Acrobat, enter the password, and adjust or remove restrictions. This allows you to edit, copy, or print the document as needed while keeping it secure for future use.

Here’s how to unlock your PDF online using PDF.net:

Hover over More tools and choose Unlock PDF.

Upload your document via the Drop file here to start or the Choose file function.

Enter the password in the input field and click 

Enter the password in the input field and click Remove the password.

Once you remove the PDF password, you will see this screen:

, you just need to upload your PDF and click 

If a PDF is password-protected, you can’t access restricted features 

you should enter it in your PDF software to unlock it. For lost passwords, contact the document creator or use authorized recovery tools, as attempting to bypass protection without permission

Managing PDF permissions effectively helps protect sensitive information while maintaining usability. Here are some best practices to follow:

. Secure your PDF permissions with a password that is at least 10-12 characters long and combines letters, numbers, and symbols. You should avoid commonly used passwords, as they are easier to guess.

Test permissions across devices and PDF readers. 

Some devices and readers interpret permissions differently, so testing helps avoid unexpected access. Confirm that printing, editing, copying, and form-filling behave as intended. This ensures users can interact with the document safely and smoothly.

Regularly review and update permissions. 

Your permissions may need adjustment as the document is shared with new audiences or its purpose changes. So, be sure to schedule periodic checks to ensure your PDF security settings remain appropriate.

Maintain a backup and create a template. 

Keep an unrestricted copy of your PDF as a master file and use it to 

. This way, you can easily apply permissions or make updates without affecting the original content.

To prevent unauthorized opening or tampering, you can apply PDF encryption in addition to setting permissions. This is especially important for sensitive or confidential content.

Change PDF Permissions Easily with PDF.net

PDF.net makes it easy to protect your documents. Set and manage permissions to control who can view, edit, or print your PDFs. With an intuitive interface and secure sharing, PDF.net helps you safeguard your documents quickly and reliably and gives you peace of mind every time you share a PDF.

Changing PDF permissions is straightforward with tools like Adobe Acrobat or PDF.net. You can control who can view, print, copy, or edit your documents by setting the right permissions and passwords.

Remember to always use strong passwords, review and update them regularly, and keep a backup copy that you can restore or reuse if needed. Following these simple steps ensures your PDFs remain protected and properly managed.

#1. Can I set different permissions for different users?

With this method, you can invite specific users via email and assign each person different access levels, such as view-only, comment-only, or full editing rights. However, for static PDFs, you can’t assign different permissions to different users.

not be able to change permissions or access restricted features.

 Some PDF software offers password recovery options, but in many cases, you may need to 

you need the correct permissions password

. Without it, you can’t open the document. Some third-party tools claim to bypass restrictions, but using them could violate privacy rules, so 

How to Change PDF Permissions: Protect and Unlock Your PDFs

To scan multiple pages into one PDF, use Windows Fax & Scan, Windows Scan, Preview, Image Capture, Notes, Genius Scan, or CamScanner.

To scan multiple pages into one PDF, you can use Windows Fax & Scan or Windows Scan on a PC, or Preview and Image Capture on a Mac. On mobile, applications such as Notes, Genius Scan, CamScanner, or Google Drive make the process just as simple.

It is important to know how to use these tools since scanning one page at a time often leaves you with a folder full of separate files that are hard to organize and even harder to share.

A single PDF keeps everything in one place, so it’s quick to send to others, store, and search through later. In this guide, we will cover different ways to scan multiple pages into one PDF on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, along with tips on how to make the process even simpler.

helps with file organization, sharing, and editing or archiving

, tools like Windows Fax & Scan, Windows Scan, or NAPS2 let you batch-scan and combine pages. On 

, Preview and Image Capture can merge multiple scans into one PDF.

, apps such as Notes (iPhone), Google Drive (Android), CamScanner, and Genius Scan allow quick multi-page scanning with auto-cropping, page reordering, and PDF export.

, reorder pages, and compress or convert files easily.

For efficient scanning, use an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF), scan in batches, preview pages before saving, and back up your PDFs to cloud storage for secure access.

Scanning multiple pages into one PDF has benefits for both personal and professional use.

; you do not need to send dozens of documents, and your recipient does not have to manage multiple attachments. With everything bundled neatly into one PDF, there is a 

lower risk of losing or overlooking important pages

. Combining multiple pages into a single PDF keeps related documents together, making them 

This is especially important if you often handle large volumes of documents; for example, if you are a lawyer managing case files, a researcher compiling studies, or a business owner dealing with financial records.

Finally, scanning several pages into one PDF 

simplifies editing, annotating, and archiving

 without having to juggle multiple files. For long-term storage, a single PDF takes up less space. If you want physical copies for peace of mind, printing one document is also much simpler.

How to Scan Multiple Pages into One PDF on Different Devices

Scanning multiple pages into one PDF is easy once you have a scanner or a device with a camera and free scanning software. Below is how to approach it for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.

 application supports batch scanning into one file. Connect your scanner, open the app, and select 

 to keep adding them to the same document.

 application, which you can download from the Microsoft Store and which has a simpler interface than Windows Fax & Scan. You can also try 

 (Not Another PDF Scanner 2), a free program that allows you to adjust the quality of your scans.

Otherwise, most scanners come with their own software, such as 

HP Smart, Canon IJ Scan Utility, Epson Scan, or Brother iPrint&Scan.

 These often have a built-in option to scan and combine documents that you can use.

 application to scan and combine documents. Connect your scanner, open 

. After scanning the first page, continue adding pages, and they will be automatically compiled into a single PDF. You can also reorder, rotate, or delete pages before saving with 

 is another tool that comes pre-installed on Mac that lets you connect to a scanner, choose page settings, and scan documents directly to your Mac. Before doing so, you can make resolution, size, and color adjustments.

The best way to scan large documents on an iPhone is with the 

. After capturing your first page, tap the 

 button to add more pages to the same scan session. To finish, tap 

automatically detects document edges, crops the image, and enhances clarity, though you can adjust the perspective manually if you want. Once scanned, it is possible to reorder, rotate, or merge the pages before saving as a 

 again to continue adding pages. Everything will automatically save as a multi-page PDF to your Google Drive.

, you can scan in batch mode to capture multiple pages, then crop, rotate, reorder, and enhance them before exporting as a PDF. It includes 

 (Optical Character Recognition), which enables you to extract text from your scans for easier editing or searching.

How to Combine Multiple Scanned PDFs into One File

To combine multiple scanned PDFs into one file after scanning them separately, you can use 

 function. The tool supports DOC, DOCX, PNG, JPG, and PDF formats.

5. Reorder the scan as needed by clicking 

 once you are satisfied with the order of your scans.

Keep the following in mind when troubleshooting scanning issues:

When your scanner defaults to image formats like JPEG or 

, check your scan settings and switch the output format to PDF. If your scanner doesn’t support it, you can use PDF.net to 

This often happens when batch mode is disabled or when the pages were scanned separately. To avoid it, be sure to scan sequentially; if you have done so but realize later on that there are mistakes, you can use PDF.net to 

 The file size can become excessively large when there are many pages scanned and combined. A workaround is to lower the scan resolution (e.g., 200 

 instead of 600 DPI). If that is not possible, you can 

Software crashes or fails to recognize multiple scans. 

With this, you will have to update your scanner drivers and restart. Scanning in batches or switching to a lightweight application, such as NAPS2, Genius Scan, or CamScanner, can also help.

5 Powerful Tips for Efficient Multi-Page Scanning

Here are some game-changing tips for efficient multi-page scanning:

If your scanner has an ADF, take advantage of it. This feature allows you to load a stack of pages that the machine scans automatically, saving you from placing each sheet manually.

Remember to remove staples, paper clips, and folds so pages feed smoothly and scans look professional. This will also reduce the chance of paper jams that can interrupt your scanning session.

Doing so helps you avoid software crashes. Rest assured that it is a lot more time-consuming to subsequently merge the batches with online PDF merge tools like PDF.net.

Most scanning software shows a preview of each page. Use this to double-check the alignment before you commit to saving, so you do not have to redo entire batches.

This will make searching, sorting, and archiving much easier later on. You just need to adopt a simple naming system, like “ProjectA_Report_September2025.pdf.”

This means uploading your scanned PDFs to services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. In case of hardware failure, you will still have secure access to your documents and can quickly restore them.

After scanning multiple pages into one PDF, you can polish your document using PDF.net’s full suite of tools. If any pages are out of order, simply rearrange them to maintain the correct flow; additionally, you can 

 to make the document easier to follow, especially for long files.

PDF.net also lets you highlight important sections, 

Learning how to scan multiple pages into one PDF makes managing documents much simpler. On Windows, tools like Windows Fax & Scan, Windows Scan, or NAPS2 get the job done. On Mac, you can use Preview or Image Capture.

For iOS and Android, Notes, CamScanner, and Genius Scan handle multi-page scans efficiently. Regardless of the tool you choose, don’t forget to follow best practices—batch scanning, using OCR, naming files consistently, and backing up to the cloud—to make the process efficient.

How to Scan Multiple Pages into One PDF FAQs

#1. How do I scan multiple pages into one PDF without Adobe?

To scan multiple pages into one PDF without Adobe, you can use 

#2. Can I scan multiple pages into one PDF on my phone?

Yes, you can scan multiple pages into one PDF on your phone. Use the 

 app if you are on an iPhone or download a scanning app like 

, which are both available on iOS and Android.

#3. How to scan double-sided documents into one PDF?

To scan double-sided documents into one PDF, 

manually flip the pages, scan the backs, and reorder them using a 

 If your scanner has duplex mode, it will automatically capture both sides.

#4. How do I make my scanned PDF searchable?

To make your scanned PDFs searchable, you will need to 

 tools, which you can find online. However, certain scanning apps, like CamScanner, already have OCR built in.

#5. Can I reduce the file size of a multi-page PDF?

. Reducing resolution, using grayscale instead of color, and removing unnecessary images also help keep the file size smaller.

#6. Will my pages stay in order when I scan multiple pages to PDF?

Your pages will stay in order when you scan multiple pages to PDF if you 

. In case they do not, you can reorder them in just a few minutes using PDF.net.

#7. Can I reorder my pages after I scan multiple pages to PDF?

reorder your pages after scanning multiple pages to PDF

. Many applications will offer you this option. If not, you can use PDF.net to drag and drop pages into the correct sequence before exporting as the final PDF.

#8. Are there differences between free vs. paid PDF scanning solutions?

 differences between free and paid PDF scanning solutions. The latter often offer advanced features like higher OCR accuracy. However, the tools mentioned above are all free and can still get the job done well.

How to Scan Multiple Pages Into One PDF: Windows, Mac & Mobile

PDF tags are hidden markers that define document structure, making content accessible, navigable, and searchable across devices.

PDF tags are hidden markers that define the structure and meaning of the content within a document. They identify headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, and images, making PDFs accessible to screen readers and easier to navigate across different devices.

This guide will further explain what PDF tags are, how to create them, and what common mistakes to avoid. You will also learn the best tools and practices to ensure your PDFs are fully accessible and make your documents usable for everyone.

, identifying elements like headings, paragraphs, tables, and images to make PDFs easier to navigate.

, helping documents meet ADA, Section 508, and WCAG standards.

, ensuring logical navigation, accurate search results, and better readability across devices and search engines.

You can check and create tags easily with tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro, PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC), or by exporting properly structured Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with accessibility options enabled.

 include: skipping heading levels, omitting alternative text, misformatting tables, or tagging decorative elements unnecessarily.

What Are PDF Tags, and Why Are They Important?

 embedded in a PDF that defines what an element is and how it relates to other elements on a page. It is similar to an HTML tag and is crucial for 

navigation, accessibility, and machine readability

Let's take a closer look at some of the key reasons why PDF tags matter:

, such as screen readers, rely on the semantic structure that PDF tags provide to interpret content accurately. Without tags, a PDF is essentially a flat image, which makes it 

inaccessible to individuals with disabilities

In the United States, accessibility standards are defined by laws such as the 

, both of which require digital documents to be accessible. Internationally, the 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

 reinforce the same principles by requiring documents to have a logical structure.

This means that individuals and organizations distributing untagged PDFs may face legal challenges. For example, a PDF report that lacks tags would fail to meet these PDF accessibility requirements and could result in fines or lawsuits. Beyond legal risks, 

 and exclude people who depend on accessible documents.

PDF tags help documents provide a better user experience by creating a logical structure that makes content easier to navigate. Headings, lists, and tables are 

allows users to move quickly through sections

. This structure also ensures that the reading order is clear and consistent, so users can follow the flow of information without confusion.

 across different devices. On smaller screens, such as those of phones or tablets, tagged PDFs can reflow their content so that the content remains readable without requiring constant zooming or scrolling.

, which makes it easier to locate specific information. Because headings, paragraphs, and other elements are clearly identified, search functions can 

For example, if someone is browsing your PDF catalogue, they can quickly search for a product and be taken directly to the relevant section instead of scrolling through dozens of pages.

#3. Search and Discoverability Advantages

 Headings, paragraphs, lists, and alternative text for images are all identifiable, which 

This improves how search engines interpret the document and leads to better visibility in search results. If you regularly 

, such as reports, guides, or white papers, on your website, the search engine optimization (SEO) advantages of PDF tagging help ensure your content is discoverable and can reach a wider audience.

There are different types of PDF tags; here are the

If you want to check if a PDF is tagged, you can 

use Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC)

. Let’s take a closer look at the specific steps for each.

such as adding or editing tags for accessibility, performing full accessibility checks, and securing PDFs with passwords or permissions.

” field in the bottom left corner of the 

If you want to check the tag tree, find the 

. The tags will appear in descending order from top to bottom.

you can use to check for PDF/UA and WCAG conformity. Here’s how to use it to check if a PDF is tagged:

Get the latest PDF Accessibility Checker from the PAC website.

Open the application and upload your PDF file.

The tool will produce a report with a visual inspection and pass/fail results of accessible PDF standards.

Blog

How to Change PDF Permissions: Protect and Unlock Your PDFs

How to Scan Multiple Pages Into One PDF: Windows, Mac & Mobile

What Are PDF Tags: A Beginner’s Guide to Accessible PDFs

How to Make a PDF Mobile-Friendly: Full Guide + Best Practices

Accessible PDF: How to Create and Optimize PDFs for Everyone

How to Protect a PDF From Copying: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

How to Make PDFs Searchable: 3+ Simple Methods

How to Protect Your E-Signature in a PDF: 5 Simple Methods

Forgot PDF Password: Here’s How to Regain Access to Your File

How to Change a PDF’s Background Color: 3 Easy Methods