Error Saving PDFs In Preview

Same problem with Catalina 10.15.3 and the current Preview.app.

I worked around this by opening the original document, then choosing File -> Export as PDF... and saving as a different filename. The resulting file appears to work as expected.

My supposition is that there is some voodoo PDF permission/locking/stunt in the original file (that my bank placed on the file) that prevented Preview from operating on it.

<rant>

It would be really helpful if Catalina's Preview would suggest "The original file cannot be modified. Export it as a PDF to remove the voodoo cruft and use it a you wish."

</rant>

Hi there, Kreggar.

I see that you're having a problem saving a document as a *.pdf file using Preview, and I'm glad to help.

Save a document as a PDF on Mac -- Try saving the file in a different location and use a different name. Then re-open it and try to save the file with the original name in the original location. 

Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac -- Restart your Mac in safe mode and see of you're able to save the file. If it works while in safe mode, reboot normally and test again in your own user account. If not, continue to "How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac" below. 

How to test an issue in another user account on your Mac -- If the issue is also happening in safe mode, use this article to create and test a new administrative user account. This will demonstrate if the issue is isolated to your account, or if it's system wide. You can choose a Safari web page to save as a *.pdf in this new user account.

Let me know how that goes, and take care!

Well, here's a workaround: Install Acrobat Reader. I'm able to open and save PDFs using Acrobat Reader; I installed it specifically to test this issue.

In my workplace, we were surprised to see this problem. My suspicion is that, on Macs at least, this issue is masked when Acrobat Reader installs its PDF Plugin for Safari. While I didn't install that plugin — I elected to just install the app — I bet this is the issue.

srdja65 is correct, I think. I took his suggestion and used a free online password remover at https://smallpdf.com/unlock-pdf and it worked to correct the problem. Saved $30.

File Save after opening the file, it used to work to simple safe the file to a different location and making sure encryption is not checked. Now I am slo getting the error message CANNOT SAVE AS xxxxxx

A a work around within Preview.

After successfully opening an encrypted file, in stead of File > Save try File > Export as PDF.

Work around:

fill and sign your PDF as needed then bring up the print options window and save as a new PDF. You will be able to save and edit this new PDF without issue.

I have this problem too and am replying mainly to bump the post. I have had this problem since OS Catalina install where saving PDF's kicks the "can't create copy" error (even though it says that it created a duplicate for the purpose of editing). Used Preview extensively to edit PDF's so this is a real issue for me. Found that it this seems to be an issue with PDF Forms particularly (and "secured" (though not necessarily password protected) PDF forms most likely more specifically). I just tested that Adobe Acrobat DC reader for Mac does allow editing the form and saving apparently so now I have to open the form in Adobe (not a fan of the Adobe software because it clutters up the screen with garbage "upgrade" tools and such) then after the form is filled in open it in preview to "sign" it, then Print->Save to PDF to finalize the form, then finally send it off to the appropriate recipient. What a pain in the arse, I really hope that someone can help with this issue.

In my case, the PDF I was trying to save was a form created by a third party. Just as I suspected, the form was password protected. Since I didn't want to spend too much time on this problem, I downloaded PDF Password Remover and removed the password within seconds. It cost me thirty bucks, but now I can edit and save the file in Preview without any problems. I know this solution is not for everybody, but it may provide some clues to others in this board.

Brilliant. Print and Save as PDF worked for me and a much simpler solution.

Thanks, Moonska9.

From what I can tell, the problem would have to be fixed by the file creator. They would have to open the file on their own computer and click on “Extend Features in Adobe Reader“. That should extend features in Preview as well. If this approach is not available (if you don't have access to the file creator), the PDF in question would have to be cracked, which would require someone smarter than me.

That's all nonsense. Obviously Catalina has a broken Preview probably due to some obscure privacy/security issue saving us from ourselves and Apple is derelict to solve it. Some unknown updates later it will be "magically" fixed. Hmmm, maybe Adobe spy's have finally infiltrated Apple? Maybe Apple should just give Preview the BOOT!

That could easily be true. I based my entire opinion on one specific PDF and the fact that my PDF could not be saved in Acrobat Reader either. It makes sense that it is some security issue, as Apple loves to add various ways of protecting us from ourselves. If that is the case, let's hope that this issue will be resolved.

Smart move. I wish I had brains and patience to look for a free remover. In my case, I tried to open the PDF with several applications, including Acrobat, and all of them opened the file with a warning that it is password protected. All except for Preview. That is something Apple should definitely add to Preview.

Agreed: the problem is with, at least some, PDFs with fillable fields. I went to tools, "Show Inspector", and found that "Content Creator" is Acrobat PDFMaker 17 for Word.

Anyone else see that same creator?