PDF Encryption & Permissions Inspector
PDF Encryption & Permissions Inspector: Inspects `/Encrypt` dictionary flags (`/P` bitmask) according to ISO 32000 specification.
About this pdf encryption & permissions inspector
PDF Encryption & Permissions Inspector — browser-based utility.
How this tool works
Implements client-side PDF Encryption & Permissions Inspector operations. Inspects `/Encrypt` dictionary flags (`/P` bitmask) according to ISO 32000 specification specifically designed for a researcher investigates why a downloaded research pdf cannot be printed or text cannot be copied.
- PDF Catalog & XRef Ingestion: Parses binary PDF headers, trailer dictionaries, and cross-reference streams to index document object IDs.
- Page Tree & Box Dimension Inspection: Reads /MediaBox, /CropBox, and /Rotate attributes for each page dictionary in the document hierarchy.
- Symmetrical Coordinate Transformation: Calculates offsets relative to existing [x, y] origins for margin trimming or updates /Rotate angles.
- Document Re-serialization: Re-serializes the PDF object stream, updating byte offsets in the XRef table and preserving AcroForm dictionaries.
Worked example
Scenario: Inspect an unencrypted local one-page PDF.
Sample input:
Processing: Load with PDF.js, call getPermissions(), and report the page count plus returned permission value.
Illustrative output:
Limits and verification
Password-encrypted PDF files must be decrypted before processing. Margin cropping offsets cannot exceed half of the page width or height. Files with damaged XRef tables are repaired automatically where possible.
Examples demonstrate an expected workflow; they do not prove every input or every branch of an external specification. Check important results with an independent source before using them for money, security, compliance, safety, or irreversible file changes.
Browser processing boundary
Tool input is processed by code running in the browser and is not intentionally sent to a CZOA processing API. The page can still request ordinary site assets, analytics, or advertising when those services are enabled. Browser extensions and managed-device software remain outside this tool's control.
Relevant references
These references govern or help explain the format, protocol, or calculation used here. Listing a reference does not claim certification or complete implementation of every optional feature.
Content owner: CZOA Tools · Last reviewed: 2026-09-15 · Review methodology
How to use it
- Enter, paste, or select your input data into the PDF Encryption & Permissions Inspector workspace controls.
- Review available parameter fields, units, formats, or options configured for your task.
- Click the action button or observe immediate live calculations rendered in your browser runtime.
- Inspect the resulting output and any diagnostic messages, then copy or download the result if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How does PDF Permissions Inspector inspect a PDF?+
It loads the first selected PDF with PDF.js and calls getPermissions(). Its readonly JSON result contains pages, hasPermissionRestrictions, and permissions. For an unrestricted document, permissions is the literal No permission flags exposed by this document. It does not read PDF encryption dictionaries itself.
Which controls and result fields are available?+
The page provides one local PDF picker and Process locally. It has no password field, owner-password entry, permission editor, encryption setter, document save, page selector, raw dictionary viewer, or download. The result has only pages, hasPermissionRestrictions, permissions, and a password/load-error note.
What limits apply to the reported permissions?+
hasPermissionRestrictions means only that PDF.js returned a non-null permissions value; it is not a complete policy decision or a list of every viewer restriction. A password prompt or load error prevents inspection without a usable password. The tool cannot decrypt, remove restrictions, validate signatures, alter permissions, or guarantee how another viewer will enforce a PDF.
What did isolated browser verification establish?+
In an isolated Chromium test, an independently authored unencrypted one-page PDF returned pages 1 and hasPermissionRestrictions false; Poppler pdfinfo reported it unencrypted. That covers the unrestricted PDF.js path, not passwords or every encryption-permission combination.