How to Lock Down a PDF (And Unlock It If You Forgot the Password)

PDFs may seem all chill and laid-back, but they can also be Fort Knox if you want them to be. Whether you’re sending personal info, legal stuff, or your top-secret chili recipe, here’s how to protect your PDF like a boss—and how to (maybe) get back in if you lock yourself out.

Adobe Acrobat DC vs. PDF-XChange Editor: Do You Need to Pay to Play with PDFs?

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Adobe Acrobat DC is the first name most people think of when it comes to PDFs. It’s powerful, reliable, and yes, pricey. But before you sign up for that subscription, let’s talk about PDF-XChange Editor, a free alternative that might just make you question why you ever paid for PDF software in the first place.