How to Password Protect a PDF

Adding a password to a PDF for progress reports can be done using Adobe Acrobat Pro and following these steps.

Step One: Open the Document in Adobe

Step Two: Click Tools > Protect.

Step Three: Click Encrypt > Encrypt with Password

Step Four: Password Settings

Set your password. We are using the birthday for progress reports. Make sure you make it the same format, so that families can open the document on their end.

I use DD-MMM-YYYY. For example, 18-MAY-2021. I include the dash and capitals and include this in my instructions for the families.

Step Five: Confirm Password

Step Six: Save the Document

Step Seven: Close and Reopen

You will notice the file name will now have (SECURED) in the title. When you reopen the document, you will be asked to enter the password before opening it.