How can I render a PDF file that cannot be printed?

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Request for Question Clarification by seizer-ga on 20 Mar 2003 15:14 PST

What software are you using to create PDFs? 

Thanks,

--seizer-ga

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Clarification of Question by chriso_312-ga on 20 Mar 2003 15:30 PST

Hello, I am not committed to using any particular software (e.g. I am
not necessarily using Word to do a Save As... and save to a PDF file).
 I am willing to use any programming tool, software development kit,
API, or whatever is available to modify the privileges that my saved
PDF exposes to a recipient.  I'd simply like to be able to render PDF
files that cannot be printed, and I'll use whatever tool (whether an
end-user tool or a programming tool) that is required.  Hope this
helps, thank you.

Hello chriso_312, and thanks for the clarification! It's good to know
you're flexible as to software choice.

The best way to accomplish what you wish is to purchase Acrobat Reader
- the original PDF creation software. It lets you create PDFs with
permissions that you can specify - including prohibiting the printing
of the document.

If you take a look at page 1 of the document below, you will see this
feature under the "Protect Shared Documents" section.

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/pdfs/acraagbiz.pdf

Adobe Acrobat's main product page is here:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/main.html

Adobe Acrobat is available for $250 from Adobe themselves, but you
should be able to find it for as little as $200 if you use a price
comparison service such as http://www.bizrate.com

If you're interested in a PDF SDK, then take a look at iText - it
offers much in the way of PDF functionality (including encryption) for
free:

http://www.lowagie.com/iText/

I hope this helps - if anything's unclear, then please feel free to
request clarification before rating this answer!

Thanks,

--seizer-ga

Search strategy: 
adobe acrobat
pdf library

ofcourse all bets are off IF the user decides to take a screenshot and print that :)