How to Configure Drawing Security Options

Quick answer: The SECURITYOPTIONS command password-protects a drawing so it can’t be opened without entering the correct password first. Setting one up involves choosing an encryption provider and key length as well as the password itself; removing one just means clearing the password field and confirming.

Setting a Password

1. Run SECURITYOPTIONS. The Security options dialog opens.
2. Type your password in the Enter Password field.
3. Choose a Crypt Provider from the list.
4. Set the Key Length to one of the values available for that provider.
5. Click OK (or press Enter). The dialog closes and a Password dialog opens.
6. Retype the password in the Confirm Password field.
7. Click OK (or press Enter). The password is now set.

Removing a Password

1. Choose Security Options… from File > Drawing Utilities, or run SECURITYOPTIONS directly.
2. In the Security options dialog, clear the Enter Password field completely.
3. Click OK (or press Enter). A confirmation message appears.
4. Click OK to close it.

A Word of Caution

Like any password protection, if you forget the password on a drawing, there’s generally no built-in way to recover the file’s contents afterwards. Store it somewhere safe, a password manager or your organisation’s usual credential storage, rather than relying on memory alone for anything you can’t afford to lose access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I forget a drawing’s password? There’s typically no way to recover access afterwards; this is how password protection is meant to work. Keep the password stored somewhere safe rather than relying on memory.

Do I need to know the current password to remove it? Yes, indirectly. A password-protected drawing can’t be opened at all without the password, so you’ll always need it to get the file open before you can reach Security Options to remove it.

What’s a Crypt Provider, and does it matter which one I pick? It’s the encryption method used to protect the drawing; different providers support different key lengths. The specifics aren’t detailed in Octave’s own documentation for this page, so if security strength matters for your use case, it’s worth checking with your IT or security team on which provider and key length to choose.

Where else can I open Security Options from, besides the command? File > Drawing Utilities > Security Options… in the menu, as well as running SECURITYOPTIONS directly.