Technology

PDF Security in Foxit PDF Editor+

Last modified 8/16/2026

PDF security helps protect University information by controlling who can access, modify, print, copy, or otherwise use a PDF document.

Foxit PDF Editor+ includes several security features to protect PDF documents. Depending on the type of information and the level of protection required, you can use password protection, certificate protection, or Microsoft Azure Information Protection (AIP) to restrict access to a PDF.

Foxit PDF Editor also includes tools to identify and remove hidden information that may contain sensitive or unintended content.

PDF Security Overview


PDF Security can be used to protect documents from unauthorized access or unwanted changes. Before applying security to a PDF, consider what information the document contains and what users should be allowed to do with it.

Common PDF security tasks include

  • Requiring a password to open a PDF.
  • Restricting printing, editing, or copying.
  • Restricting changes to a document's security settings.
  • Using certificate-based protection for specific users.
  • Applying organizational rights-management policies.
  • Removing hidden information or metadata before sharing a PDF.
  • Reviewing the security settings of an existing PDF.

Note: The appropriate security method depends on the sensitivity of the information and how the document needs to be shared

Choosing a PDF Security Method

The appropriate security method depends on what you are trying to protect and how the document will be shared.

I need to...Recommended option
Require a password to open a PDFPassword Protection
Restrict printing, editing, or copyingPassword Protection
Give different users different permissionsCertificate Protection
Protect a document using organizational rights-management policiesAIP Protect
Remove metadata or other hidden information before sharingRemove Hidden Data
Check whether a PDF already has restrictionsSecurity Properties


Important! PDF security features should be used in combination with appropriate University information-security practices. Applying security to a PDF does not replace proper handling, storage, or sharing of sensitive information.

Check PDF Security Settings


Some PDF files may contain restrictions that prevent actions such as printing, editing, or copying. You can review a PDF's current security settings and permissions in Foxit PDF Editor.

To check the security settings:

  • Open the PDF in Foxit PDF Editor.
  • Choose File > Properties > Security.
    • You can choose Protect > Secure Document > Security Properties.
  • Review the Security Method and document permissions.
  • Review which actions are allowed or restricted.

Password Protection

  • Types of Password Protection

Password protection is a common way to protect PDF documents. Foxit PDF Editor supports two types of passwords:

  • Document Open Password - Requires users to enter a password before they can open the PDF.
  • Permissions Password - Restricts actions such as printing, editing, or copying, and requires a password to change the security settings.

When using password protection, use a strong password and share it securely. Keep a secure backup of the original document and password information. Forgotten passwords ARE NOT recoverable.

  • How to Add Password Protection


To add password protection:

  1. Open the PDF in Foxit PDF Editor.

  2. Choose Protect > Secure Document > Password Protect.

    You can also choose File > Properties > Security and select Password Protection.

  3. Select the appropriate document open or document restriction settings.
  4. Enter and confirm the password.
  5. Select the permissions that users should have.
  6. Save the PDF.

For detailed instructions, see Foxit's Password Protection documentation.



Certificate Protection

  • What is Certificate Protection?

Certificate protection uses digital certificates to encrypt a PDF for specific users. Unlike a shared password, certificate protection can allow the document author to specify different permissions for different recipients.

For example, one recipient may be allowed to fill out forms and add comments, while another recipient may have additional permissions.

 Foxit uses certificates containing identifying information and public-key information to encrypt the document for authorized users.

  • When to Use Certificate Protection

Certificate protection may be appropriate when:

  • A document needs stronger access controls than a shared password provides.
  • Different users require different permissions.
  • The identities of authorized recipients need to be managed.
  • The document contains information that should only be accessible to specific individuals.

  • Add Certificate Protection

To add certificate protection:

  1. Open the PDF in Foxit PDF Editor.
  2. Open the document security settings.
  3. Select Certificate Protection.
  4. Select the appropriate certificate or certificates.
  5. Specify the permissions for authorized users.
  6. Apply the security settings and save the PDF.

For detailed instructions, see Foxit's Certification Protection documentation.


AIP Protect

  • What is AIP Protect?

Foxit PDF Editor can integrate with Microsoft Azure Information Protection (AIP) to apply rights-management policies to PDF documents.

AIP protection can allow organizations to control who can access a document and what authorized users can do with it. Depending on the organization's configuration, permissions can control actions such as opening or reading information.

AIP protection requires access to the appropriate Microsoft rights-management environment and may depend on University configuration.

  • When to Use AIP Protect

AIP protection may be appropriate when:

  • A document contains sensitive University information.
  • Access needs to be limited to specific users or groups inside of Illinois State University.
  • Document permissions need to be managed through organizational policies.
  • The university has configured Microsoft rights-management services for the intended users.

AIP protection should not be used simply as an alternative to a password when basic PDF protection is sufficient. Use the University's established information-security policies and procedures when determining whether AIP protection is appropriate. Users interested in this option should contact the Technology Support Center (see contact information at the bottom of this article).




Redact or Hide PDF Content

  • Redact PDF Content

The redaction feature allows you to remove sensitive information from your document before making it available to others. You can mark the text, graphics, or pages for Redaction first, then apply the redaction. Alternatively, you can use the Whiteout feature to permanently remove the content and replace it with a white background in one click.

For more information about redacting PDF content, please see:


  • Remove Hidden Data


PDF files may contain information that is not immediately visible but is still stored within the document. This information can include metadata, comments and markups, file attachments, hidden text, hidden layers, form fields, and other embedded or hidden content.

Before distributing a PDF that contains sensitive or confidential information, review the document for hidden information that should not be shared.

Foxit PDF Editor provides two tools for removing hidden information

  • Sanitize Document — Removes metadata and other hidden information from a PDF in one operation.
  • Remove Hidden Information — Allows you to select the types of hidden information to remove.

Removing hidden information can permanently remove content from a document. Review the available options carefully before applying the changes.



  • Remove Hidden Information

To remove hidden information

  1. Open the PDF in Foxit PDF Editor.
  2. Choose Protect > Hidden Data.
  3. Select Sanitize Document to remove hidden information in one operation, or select Remove Hidden Information to choose specific types of information to remove.
  4. Review the information selected for removal.
  5. Confirm the removal.
  6. Save the PDF.

Removing hidden information can permanently remove content from a document. Review the available options carefully before applying the changes.

For detailed instructions, please see the following:


Additional Information About Foxit PDF Editor +

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:


Feedback

To suggest an update to this article, ISU students, faculty, and staff should submit an Update Knowledge/Help Article request and all others should use the Get IT Help form.

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