PDF DRM

Digital Rights Management applies usage policies to a PDF that go beyond simple passwords. DRM can limit how many times a document can be opened, on how many devices, for how long, and what actions (print, save, copy) are permitted.

View count limit (e.g. can only be opened 5 times), time-limited access (expires on a date), device lock (only works on the first device it is opened on), and action restrictions (no print, no save, no copy).

Sophisticated DRM does. Simple policy embedding uses PDF JavaScript (which only works in Acrobat). For enforceable server-validated DRM, a dedicated DRM service is needed.

Basic JavaScript-based DRM can be bypassed by users with technical knowledge. Enterprise DRM solutions that use server validation are harder to bypass.

For ebooks and commercial documents, DRM reduces casual sharing. It is not foolproof — screenshots, cameras, and screen capture can always capture displayed content.

Yes. DRM policy embedding runs in your browser. Your PDF is never uploaded to any server.