How to Protect and Edit PDF Files on Mac

Although PDFs are a great way of sharing information, editing them on a Mac might seem tricky at first. Yet, there are plenty of ways to modify and edit PDF files, from minor tweaks such as simple annotations to full-blown text edits and complete revisions.

Then there's the issue of safeguarding your edited projects. We'll show you how to add and remove password protection from PDFs to ensure your modified files can only be accessed by authorized users. With these built-in and third-party editing and security tricks under your belt, you'll have the know-how to keep PDFs both adaptable and protected. 

How to Password Protect PDFs on Mac 

Apple devices have some built-in tools for creating password-protected PDFs: Preview and the “Print Dialog.” However, aside from these options that come with some limitations, you could also try some third-party tools. 

Adding Password Protection Using Preview 

To use Preview to password-protect PDF on Mac, locate or save your document in PDF. After you’ve opened the file in Preview, export it and click the Encrypt box. This will allow you to create and confirm a password. This option allows you to complete the operation even offline. Still, it lacks many of the useful features found within third-party apps that offer more complex means to password-protect PDF files. 

Using Print Dialog to Create Password-Protected PDFs 

The unassuming Print Dialog on your Mac can create password-protected PDFs. Start with any editable file format on your Mac. From the File menu, choose the Print option and then Save as PDF. You’ll get three self-explanatory Security Options: 

• Require password to open a document 
• Require password to copy text, images and other content 
• Require password to print document 

These security measures also work seamlessly across all iOS devices. 

Password-Protect PDFs with Third-Party Editors 

Exceptional password protection is where a robust third-party web app like PDF Guru can really shine. They normally offer several options and levels of security that don’t stop at simply password-protect PDFs. 

Many people regard the password requirement to open a file as the best security option. However, they forget that this might not prevent someone from simply copying and saving the file. By using these tools to protect PDFs, you can set security features that restrict certain options like printing, editing or copying content. 

Though it might vary from one platform to the other, the procedure to secure your files is as follows: 

• Open the tool 
• Upload your document 
• Locate the “Secure” or “Security” option 
• Choose “Password Protect” 
• Insert and confirm your password 
• Save and download the modified file 

If needed, it’s also possible to remove the protection by following the steps above but selecting “Remove Security” (or similar) instead of “Password Protect”. 

How to Edit PDFs on Mac 

Similar to password protection, when it comes to edits, your options are also divided between built-in and third-party tools. What comes pre-installed on your Mac is suitable for simple operations. However, if you need more freedom and more options, there are plenty of web apps that can help you achieve professional results. 

Using Built-in Tools 

As previously mentioned, every Mac comes with Preview pre-installed. This handy program is not only great for creating passwords. It also includes a surprising number of useful features for opening and editing PDFs. 

To enable the editing options, simply click the icon resembling a pencil within a circle – this activates the Markup Toolbar. The toolbar is a pretty basic one-stop PDF editor. It offers several options, such as: 

• Highlight 
• Underline 
• Add text boxes 
• Draw and create shapes 

Edit PDFs with Google 

Did you know that Google Docs can also handle basic PDF editing? After uploading a PDF from Google Drive, choose Open with Google Docs. This allows you to edit text like any other document. Once done, Save as PDF. While Google Docs could be seen as a useful text-focused PDF editor online, it might not be ideal for highly formatted documents. Complex layouts or intricate designs could lose some formatting during the conversion process. 

Third-Party Editors for PDFs 

If you're looking for more secure and advanced methods of how to edit a PDF on Mac, consider exploring third-party tools. These online platforms stand head and shoulders above Mac’s built-in software. For a start, many have custom features that can change existing text within the PDF itself. They also allow you to edit PDFs with a wider range of annotation options like sticky notes, stamps, and custom shapes. 

Many offer image editing abilities, letting you insert, replace, or edit images embedded within the PDF. Finally, you can convert your document to other file formats, such as Word or Excel, for further editing. Their use is pretty straightforward: 

• Open the web app 
• Upload your document 
• Choose among the various editing options and make the changes you need 
• Hit “Save” or “Done” to download the edited file 

Choosing the Right Editor 

The best editor and password protect PDF on Mac depends on your specific needs. Mac's own Preview is a good choice for the most basic edits. Likewise, though its own PDF password protection is adequate, it lacks much of the functionality of the best third-party apps. Should you need more advanced text editing or better password protection, a reliable third-party solution is the way to go.