How to save PDF form as completed on Windows 10

After filling out a PDF form, you can print it as a PDF document to prevent accidental editing, and in this guide, you'll learn how to perform this task.

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@Pureinfotech
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Print PDF as document to save changes
Print PDF as document to save changes

On Windows 10, when you use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or another PDF tool to fill out a form, the changes will save, but anyone with access to the document can make modifications. 

If you want to prevent anyone from making changes, you need to fill out the PDF form, and instead of saving it, you have to print it out as a PDF document.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to protect a PDF form from accidental editing by printing it as a PDF document as if it was printed on a piece of paper.

How to print completed form as PDF document on Windows 10

To prevent other people from modifying a completed PDF form, use these steps:

  1. Open PDF form.

    Quick note: You can use any PDF reader application, such as Xodo PDF reader, Microsoft Edge, Chrome, etc. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll be using Microsoft Edge.

  2. Complete the form with the required information.

  3. Click the Print button. (Usually, you can use the Ctrl + P keyboard shortcut.)

  4. Use the “Printer” drop-down menu and select the Save as PDF option.

    Print as PDF on Microsoft Edge
    Print as PDF on Microsoft Edge

  5. Click the Save button.

  6. Specify a name for the PDF document.

  7. Choose a location to store the form.

  8. Click the Save button.

Once you complete the steps, the PDF document will no longer be editable, which means that no one will be able to make changes by mistake.

If you prefer adding an extra layer of security, you can also add a password to protect the PDF from editing and viewing.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].