[PDF] Password Maintenance

Q100125: [PDF] Password Maintenance

Set/clear PDF password(s).

Parameter	In/Out	Description	Other Info
Active Directory Connection	In	Active Directory name and login credentials for account with permissions to perform the requested operation. Optional.	Connection type: `sysAD`
File source	InOut	The file source is a list of one or more files, using fully qualified pathnames, such as a `FileList` output parameter from another module. A typical example being the `[Files] Find` module.
Open Password	In	Password used to open PDF files. Leave blank when source file(s) do not use a password.
New User Password	In	User password assigned to the saved file(s).
New Owner Password	In	Owner password assigned to the saved file(s).
Log output level	In	Choices: `Minimal`, `Verbose` The level of execution detail you want to appear in the log.	Default: `Minimal`
Processed file list	Out	List of pathnames (files) that were processed.

(Italics = required parameters)

Notes

The [PDF] PasswordMaintenance module module is used to set, change, or remove user/owner passwords on one or more Adobe PDF files. It processes a list of source PDFs and updates their security settings in place, allowing user and/or owner passwords to be added, replaced, or cleared as needed.

Note that if a PDF already has a password, you must provide the existing password to modify its security settings.

User Password (Open Password)

The user password controls who can open the PDF.
	* Required to open and view the document.
	* Without this password, the PDF cannot be opened at all.
	* Commonly used to protect sensitive documents from unauthorized access.

Typical use cases:
	* Sending confidential reports by email
	* Restricting access to financial or personal information
	* Protecting documents stored in shared locations


Owner Password (Permissions Password)

The owner password controls what someone can do with the PDF after it is opened.
	* Used to set or change permissions, such as:
	* Printing
	* Copying text or images
	* Editing the document
	* Adding annotations or form fields
	The document can often be opened without the owner password, but actions may be restricted.
	Knowing the owner password allows full control over the document’s security settings.

Typical use cases:
	* Allowing users to view a document but not modify it
	* Preventing copying or printing of content
	* Retaining administrative control over document security

Last Updated:

1/28/2026 4:28:26 PM