Error Saving PDFs In Preview

I cannot save PDF documents in Preview. When I try, I get an error saying "The document 'abc copy' could not be saved as 'abc copy' ". When I try to close the document it prompts me to save it before closing. When I attempt to save it again, it brings up the same error. The only way to get a copy of the data on the pdf is by printing it or taking a screenshot which both makes it impossible to edit the document in the future and removes its formatting. I get the same error regardless of the document I am trying to save or the location I am trying to save it in. Any ideas why this is happening or how to fix it?

MacBook Pro 15”, macOS 10.15

Posted on Nov 4, 2019 1:55 PM

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17 replies

Bendevu

Level 1

8 points

Jan 19, 2020 5:16 AM in response to Kreggar

I had the same issue. It seems like you can only 'Export as PDF' after filling out a fillable fields sheet. After exporting to PDF you can't edit anymore, so it is final.

I guess other software is better for this kind of work.

Kreggar Author

Level 1

18 points

Feb 10, 2020 10:19 AM in response to srdja65

It seems that you are correct. I figured out that the issue is actually isolated to just the one pdf, and not fillable pdfs in general. The info section of the PDF under security says that it is "Password Encrypted" but there is no warning or option to enter a password when I open the PDF. I tried removing the password with some software I found but for whatever reason it didn't work. The sight that OldDoc37 posted worked great. I've pasted it below for reference. Thanks for the help everyone!

https://smallpdf.com/unlock-pdf

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Error Saving PDFs In Preview