So I saw this post by lifehacker some time ago and as is my habit, I marked it to view later and decided to check into it when I had some time.
Today, I had a little time.
I have figured out (after reading page 2 of this article) how to create password-protected pdf files using a free script and Automator. Here is how I did it…
NB: I am not a command-line junkie, so I went with the automator scripting style, if you love the command control, read here for how to work that out.
Start by downloading this script.
Then just double click to extract the installation package and double click that to install the package itself.
Easy, right?
Next you need to hit up Automator to set up the workflow. Check out this giant skitch’ed screenshot of how to set it up. It should be fairly straightforward, but let me know if it’s confusing. (click pic for full size)
So try it out once you’ve got it set up! It worked great for me once I tweaked it like you see it.
I also have the workflow here for you to download, set up just like I have it, if you’d like.
So the simple, easy set up works like this…
1. Download pdfauxinfo. Install same.
2. Download my Automator workflow.
3. Run the workflow, select the file, and click run. Done.
On a side note, I did try this on both my mac and my pc, and both platforms ask for a password before opening and limit access, depending on how you configure it.
I am not calling this method foolproof and I am sure it is easily hacked. Truth is I am happy to have learned more about Automator. Have fun!
All screenshots are done using Skitch.
Chris, couldn’t you just use the native Mac app, PDFLabs to accomplish encrypted files?
http://www.mguhlin.net/archives/2007/07/entry_3353.htm
Take care,
Miguel Guhlin
Around the Corner-MGuhlin.net
http://mguhlin.net
I suppose I could have, thanks for the link to a nice piece of software, downloaded and installed already!
Chris
As always, good material shared.
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