Why my Mac setup password to pdf automatically?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Why my Mac setup password to pdf automatically?

Trying to complete a government document which has a 'save' button in it. When I go to 'save' the current version of the file - the file then locks up. A password is imposed that I did not set, and prevents me from reopening that file again. I've tried all reasonable passwords including for my email, the computer and others. Nothing works.

What is going on? I'm on the 4th pass trying to fill this form out and this is really frustrating

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Nov 11, 2024 8:33 AM

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Answer 1

sventek_

Level 4

1,261 points

Nov 11, 2024 8:37 AM in response to jjcoast7

The file might have built-in security settings that require a password, which could have been imposed by the sender. To access it, you’ll need to reach out to the organization or individual who sent you the document and request the password or any additional guidance they can provide.

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Answer 2

HWTech

Level 9

60,650 points

Nov 11, 2024 12:27 PM in response to jjcoast7

Preview has a bug where filling in the form will engage the password lock the creator of the PDF used to prevent modification of the source document except for the ability to fill in the form. You will need to start over again with a fresh download of the PDF and use some other third party PDF app to fill in the forum.

There have been some people who have been able to unlock the PDF using some tricks, but I don't recall how they were done. Perhaps if you search this forum for the past year you will find a few posts where people reported success.

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Answer 3

Old Toad

Level 10

210,615 points

Nov 11, 2024 3:03 PM in response to jjcoast7

Try using an alternate PDF reader, Skim. It's very useful and powerful.

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Answer 4

Nov 11, 2024 3:22 PM in response to jjcoast7

You'll want to try the Adobe PDF tools, too.

Some government-provided PDF files I've met use all sorts of Adobe extensions.

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