Expert: Ken Black - 9/3/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Black,

My question is concerning restrictions on a PDF fill-in form.

I have a PDF fill-in form (basically a PDF file in which a user can enter text in certain fields).
I need to add a page to this PDF document. Unfortunately, the "Insert page" button is greyed out.

I check the document properties, and find out the following under the "Security" tab:
- Document security: No security is applied on the document
- Document restrictions: Changes are not allowed.

It also says that this pdf form only allows writing in the fields.

I tried removing the restrictions by using some "Restriction remover" and "Protection remover" freewares I found on the Net, but I was unsuccessful.

Strangely, when I send the exact same file to my client (from whom I originally received it), he sees "Changes" as allowed, and can insert pages freely.

I understand this may seem very weird, and is a bit out of your area of expertise, but i'm quite desperate! =)

I tried using PDF Professional 7 and Standard 6.
My client uses Adobe Professional 6.

Thanks in advance,

Regards,

Jessica  

Answer
Hi Jessica,

I have not had much luck with the various "restriction remover" freewares either.

There is most likely a security policy set by your client, or whomever originated the pdf.
I suspect it is your client since they see the document as having no restrictions, typically the owner or originator will see a document as being unrestricted even if it is.

There is a default policy in the security settings that sets the restrictions you are experiencing but does not require a password. It is the default "Restrict Opening and Editing Using Passwords" setting. This setting by default does not apply a password, but does apply some restrictions. It also will tend to show no security is applied to the document. I am not sure if it is a glitch on Adobe's part or if it is intended to be this way.

You can try performing an "Optimization" of the document and re-save it yourself, Advanced -> PDF Optimizer. I have had some luck doing this with a similar problem.

If that will not work then have your client remove or turn off any security settings from the Security menu under the Document heading, not through Document Properties in the File menu and then re-save the document.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com