How to Protect PDF from Converting to Word? Best Methods

PDFs are widely popular for sending or sharing information without changing the document's original formatting and style. Due to the simplicity of this document, the malicious actors can easily convert a PDF into a Word document to tamper with data. Here, many of you might search for how to protect PDF from converting to Word to prevent the chances of file conversion. Now, follow this detailed guide for learning the best methods at once.

Why Protect PDF from Converting to Word?

Unlike ordinary documents, sometimes a PDF contains highly sensitive information related to financial records, business contracts, bank statements, transaction history, and more. The unauthorized users can convert the document information into Word, making it easier to change the original data. Undoubtedly, it can bring misfortune and cause damage.

Protecting the PDF from conversion is helpful for many reasons. Below are the potential benefits of securing PDF from converting to Word:

• Stop Unauthorized Changes: To prevent unauthorized and malicious access, it is essential to lock a PDF from editing. In this way, you can mitigate the chances of file conversion into a Word document.

• Secure Document Formatting: Converting the PDF into Word certainly makes it easier to modify the formatting. In this way, you can’t safeguard the original information with styling and layout. Hence, you need to protect PDF from converting to Word for security.

• Maintain the File Integrity: Securing the PDF from converting into Word helps to maintain file integrity. With this, you can meet the data protection or other privacy standards followed by different industries.

Overall, we have listed the benefits to protect PDF from converting to Word document. It makes the PDF more reliable and authentic. Now, you might be wondering about the ways to lock the PDF from converting to a Word file. So, let’s walk through the methods below.

How to Protect PDF from Converting to Word - 3 Best Ways

After understanding the benefits, you might be searching to lock PDF from converting to Word. In the following section, we will list the secure and advanced ways for protecting the PDF from conversion into Word. In this way, you can ensure the document's privacy and security when sharing the PDF among groups or teams. Here are the techniques to protect PDF from converting to Word document:

1. Online PDF Tools for Protecting PDF

2. Adobe Acrobat Pro Software to Lock Document

3. SysTools PDF Document Protector - The Trusted Solution

Now, let’s learn these methods one after another.

#1 How to Protect PDF from Converting to Word - Try Online PDF Tools

If you’re looking for how to lock PDF from converting to Word, many free online PDF tools are available. Some of the most popular platforms include iLovePDF, Smallpdf, PDF24 Creator, PDF2Go, etc. These free online tools are fast and trusted by professionals. From applying a password to restriction security, these services are useful for all. In this way, you can create a protected PDF file that stops users from converting it into Word.

Here is a stepwise guide to locking PDF from converting to Word using online PDF tools:

1. On your web browser, visit online platforms like iLovePDF.
2. “Drag & drop” the PDF file on the dashboard of the tool.
3. Create a “strong password” > re-enter the password.
4. Lastly, press the Lock button and download the secured document.

This method is simple and fast to try when protecting the PDF document from converting to Word. Despite the benefits, there are major drawbacks that are equally important to cover. So, read them in the section below.

Limitations of online PDF platforms: Online platforms are fast, but there are various challenges. From security to privacy concerns, free PDF tools aren’t trustworthy due to the risk factor. There is a high chance of data tampering and modifications. Additionally, these platforms won’t meet the data privacy standards like GDPR, HIPAA, etc. So, be cautious when using these tools.

#2 How to Lock PDF from Converting to Word - Adobe Acrobat Pro Tool

Besides the online tools, try Adobe Acrobat Pro software to protect PDF from converting to Word document. It is a cutting-edge and reliable solution for protecting the PDF file with major security features like password and owner permissions. Under the restrictions, you can apply copy, editing, printing, document assembly, etc, in one go.

In this way, you can share the protected and secured PDF file that prevents malicious actors from conversion. Additionally, this software stands out in all security standards, making it the best choice when locking the PDF from transferring to Word. Follow the steps below:

1. Run and open the Adobe Acrobat Pro tool on your system.
2. To make PDF read only > use File > hit Properties > Security option.
3. In the Security column, pick Password Security > enable password > re-use it.
4. Now, download the protected document and save it from converting into Word.

Cons of Adobe Acrobat Pro Software: This is a highly expensive tool, and based on subscription plans. To utilize this software, users need to pay a premium fee. In other words, it is not cost-effective for small businesses and professionals. So, look for a secure and budget-friendly tool for protecting the PDF from converting to a Word file.

#3 How to Lock PDF from Converting into Word Document - SysTools Pro Software

If you’re seeking how to protect PDF from converting to Word, you first need to lock the document with a strong password. Here, you can choose SysTools PDF Locker, one of the advanced and top-notch tools for security. This solution is available for Windows OS. Using this tool, you can apply password protection and owner protection permissions without leaving the interface. Additionally, it allows you the facility of batch processing.

Besides this, the software provides ownership to create a complex password that prevents users from opening or accessing the tool for converting into a Word file. Here are the steps to protect PDF from Word conversion:

1. Run the SysTools advanced tool on your system.
2. “Add Files” to upload or add the necessary files.
3. “Change” button to set the required location > Next.
4. Under “Apply Open Document Password” > type the password.
5. Now, re-use the password > hit Lock icon instantly.

Final Words

In this complete guide, we have shared 3 ways for how to protect PDF from converting to Word. Using these methods, you can share the secured PDF that stops users from converting it into a Word document. Among all techniques, choose the SysTools PDF Locking solution, which is a professional-grade and highly recommended tool when securing documents.