Use certificate security for PDF

Certificate security provides you, among other things, options for securing a single PDF document with multiple permissions for multiple users. In order to use certificate security, you need to become familiar with certificates, how to mange them, and how to use them.

Encrypting files using your certificate

To add certificate security:

1. In the Document Security section of the Properties panel, choose PDF Self-Sign Security as the security method.
2. Choose either of the following options:



• Windows^® Certificate Security. This kind of security does not require you to enter a password, as your digital ID will be protected by your Windows^® login. After selecting OK, you will be able to choose your digital ID.
• Default Certificate Security. This will require you to select a digital ID file (.PFX). You can either select an existing digital ID file or create a new one on the spot. If selecting an existing digital ID, you will need to enter the user password for that digital ID. On the next screen, choose the digital ID from the list.
3. Select your digital ID in the Document Security - Digital ID Selection window and click OK.
4. In the Self-Sign Security - Encryption Settings window your ID should appear in the list of Recipients. Click OK.



5. Select permissions options from the checkboxes and drop down menus, and then click OK.

Anyone opening the file is restricted according to the permissions you applied in the permissions options settings.

Encrypting files using certificates in your Trusted Identities

When you encrypt files using two or more public certificates from other users, you can set permissions options unique for each user.

To encrypt files using other users' public certificates:

1. In the Document Security section of the Properties panel, choose PDF Self-Sign Security as the security method.
2. Choose either of the following options:
• Windows^® Certificate Security. This does not require you to enter a password, as your digital ID will be protected by your Windows^® login. After selecting OK, you will be able to choose your digital ID.
• Default Certificate Security. This requires you to select a digital ID file (.PFX). You can either select an existing digital ID file or create a new one on the spot. If selecting an existing digital ID, you will need to enter the user password for that digital ID.
3. Select your digital ID in the Document Security - Digital ID Selection window, and then click OK.
4. In the Self-Sign Security - Encryption Settings window click on a user in the left column and click the Add button to move the certificate to the right column. Repeat the steps for all users you want to add.



5. Select permissions options for each user. Click a user's certificate and click Permissions. Set a user's permissions and then select another user. You can set different permissions for each user.

Related info: Nitro Pro 5 Help

How to secure and lock a PDF file
Adding certificate security to PDF files
Applying security profiles

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