Prevent Printing a PDF from Google Docs
Preventing printing from a PDF from Google Docs is done using PDF permissions restrictions. Most standard PDF readers respect print restrictions, which means recipients cannot send the document to a printer without the permissions password.
Disabling printing in Adobe Acrobat
Open the PDF in Acrobat, go to Tools > Protect > Encrypt with Password, enable the restriction option, and in the Print Allowed dropdown select None. Set a permissions password and save. Acrobat Reader on the recipient's machine will grey out the print button.
Low-resolution printing option
Adobe Acrobat offers a middle option: allow low-resolution printing but not high-resolution printing. This is useful if you want recipients to be able to print a draft-quality copy for review but not a high-quality copy suitable for distribution.
Limitations of print restrictions
Print restrictions are respected by major PDF readers. Some lightweight readers and browser-based PDF viewers may ignore them. A recipient motivated to print the document can potentially find a reader that does not enforce restrictions. The restriction is a reasonable deterrent, not an absolute block.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I block printing, can recipients still save or forward the file?
Unless you also set an open password, anyone with the file can open and read it. Restricting printing does not prevent forwarding. Set an open password too if you want to control who can open the document at all.
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