How to print a password protect PDF that won't let you print?

The key is that you're not setting a password on the "print" function directly. Instead, you're creating a print password protect PDF file by setting permissions when you export the document. This allows you to control who can print it, among other things. It's a slick way to manage your document's security.

Here’s the casual, step-by-step for how to print password protect PDF file using Libre Office:

1. Export, Don't Just Save: This is the main trick. You won't find the option in the regular "Save As" menu. Go to File > Export As > Export as PDF... . This opens the PDF export settings window.

2. Find the Security Tab: In the PDF Options window, click on the Security tab . That's where all the magic happens.

3. Set Your Passwords: Here, you can set up two types of passwords:

• Open Password: The password needed just to view the file. You don't have to set this one if you only want to control printing.
• Permission Password: This is the one you need to set to restrict printing. This password "locks" the permissions settings.

4. Set the Printing Restriction: Once you've entered a Permission Password, the "Printing" options will become active. You can choose from:

• Not permitted: This will create a print password protect PDF file where printing is completely blocked unless someone knows the permission password.
• Low resolution (150 dpi): Allows printing, but only at a lower quality .

5. Export: Click "Export," and you're done! You'll have a PDF with the printing restrictions you've set.

A quick, honest heads-up: This kind of protection is good for casual sharing. It'll stop most people from printing without the password. But as the official help and other sources point out, it's not military-grade security. Some PDF readers might ignore the restrictions, and there are ways around it for anyone who's really determined.