PDF DRM for e-books, course notes and documents
DRM (digital rights management) decides who can open a file, for how long and what they can do with it. DocusPocus adds DRM to your PDF: the file is encrypted, it opens only for the readers you have given access, in the protected web reader or the free DocusPocus Viewer, and you can extend, limit or revoke that access whenever you need to. Readers install no plugin; they sign in and read.
How to add DRM to a PDF
- Upload your PDF Publish the PDF as a protected e-book or as a document in a zone. DocusPocus converts it into an encrypted DocusPocus file; readers never receive the original PDF.
- Set the rules Choose readers by email, zone membership, your Shopify or WooCommerce store, or the Developer API. Give lifetime or time-limited access and decide whether printing is allowed.
- Readers open it in the protected reader Readers sign in and read on the web or in the free Viewer for Windows and macOS. Change or revoke access whenever you need to.
What DocusPocus DRM controls
Encryption
Your PDF is stored and delivered as an AES-256-GCM encrypted file that standard PDF readers cannot open.
Access per reader
Access belongs to each reader's account. The only downloadable copy is the encrypted file, which opens in the Viewer for readers with access.
Lifetime or timed access
Grant access for good or for a set period, such as 6 or 12 months, and revoke it at any time.
No text to copy on the web
The web reader shows each page as an image. No text, fonts or PDF structure reach the browser, and right-click and text selection are disabled.
Watermarked printing
If you allow printing, every page printed from the Viewer carries the reader's personal watermark, and saving as PDF is blocked.
One device at a time
Viewer sessions are managed so each reader views the content on one device at a time.
PDF password restrictions or DocusPocus DRM?
| PDF password and permissions | DocusPocus DRM | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can open it | Anyone who has the file and the password | Only readers you have given access |
| Copy and print limits | A setting inside the file; each PDF app decides whether to follow it | Enforced by the DocusPocus reader and Viewer |
| Time limits | None | Lifetime or a set period per reader |
| Removing access | Not possible once the file is shared | Revoke access at any time |
| Updating | Send a new file to everyone | Replace the PDF; online readers see the new version |
Questions about PDF DRM
What is PDF DRM?
PDF DRM is a set of controls that decides who can open a PDF, for how long, and whether it can be printed or copied. With DocusPocus the PDF is encrypted and opens only in the protected reader for readers you have given access.
Is a PDF password the same as DRM?
No. Anyone who has the file and the password can open a password-protected PDF, and access cannot be withdrawn after it is shared. DRM ties access to each reader and lets you limit or revoke it.
Do readers need a plugin?
No. Readers sign in and read in the browser. The free desktop Viewer for Windows and macOS is optional and opens downloaded DocusPocus files.
Can I sell PDFs with DRM?
Yes. Publish the PDF as a protected e-book with a free preview page and sell it through your own store or checkout. Shopify and WooCommerce orders or the Developer API can grant access automatically, and DocusPocus takes no commission.
Is DocusPocus free?
The free plan includes 1 e-book, 1 zone, 100 managed members and 1 GB of storage. Paid plans start at $3.99 per month, and DocusPocus never takes a commission on your sales.
Share your document with peace of mind.
Your file stays encrypted, opens only for the people you allow, and you decide how long they can read it.
Missing a feature? Tell us — we'll do our best to build it. info@docuspocus.com