Forum Discussion

Copper Contributor

Mar 09, 2020

Is it possible to restrict download and print of PDF files in SharePoint online?

Hi, I have selected the view only permission level in SharePoint. This allows me to restrict downloads for MS office documents only. However, I want to be able to restrict download and print of P...

SharePoint Online

Mahhus

Copper Contributor

Mar 10, 2020

Hi SunilK90

Have you tried to restrict downloading the office files like excel, or word using the IRM, if not please check and provide me your feedback.

You mentioned also that you are not able to view the PDF in the browser, which is your main purpose, could you check if you can download the PDF file or not ?

could you try using another PDF ?

please provide me screenshot from the affected PDF which cannot be opend in the browser

Best Regards,

Mahhus

SunilK90

Copper Contributor

Mar 10, 2020

Hi Mahhus,

I've managed to restrict download and print for MS office files like word, excel and powerpoint using view only permission and IRM.

My main purpose is that a person under a group with view only permissions should be able to view the PDF file in the browser, but not download or print the file.

I noticed that upon doing this the PDF file says it is protected and cannot be downloaded by another user with view only permissions.

Thanks

Regards

Sunil

Mahhus
Copper Contributor
Mar 14, 2020
Hi SunilK90

Thanks for your reply..

Normally if you used view only permission you will restrict the group members who have view only permission from downloading the files, so theres no need to use both view only permission and IRm policy.
please cearte another test SharePoint site who has no view only permission and apply the IRM policy and check if you can open the file or not (try to use edit permission)
as per your screenshot, theres's blue hyper link Download combatible reader, what will happen if you clicked on it ?
what would happend if you opened a restricted work file (same screenshot ) or ?

Bet Regards,
Mahhus