I submitted this question to PMI support. Wondering if anyone else had the same issue.
I noticed on my download of PMBOK v6, and the combined Agile guide with it, that print functionality is completely disabled. This seems to be a file property setting that cannot be altered, and this was not a restriction on previous downloadable files.
I know someone will respond to just buy the printed publication, (which I will probably do.) However one of the many benefits of PMI membership is access to the latest edition of the PMBOK and other PMI published materials, and printing a personal copy was not an issue.
I hope this is not a new restriction, as I think a printed version is most useful to students- taking personal notes and highlighting materials within it.
Was this by design? or a flaw on my downloaded copy? Saving Changes...
Definitely by design. Some people find ways around it (the ability to highlight and print) but the recommended option is to buy the printed version. I do agree that for research and exam preparation purposes, they should allow the document to be highlighted printed and copy/paste. Saving Changes...
Thank you Sante,
That really is a shame if its by design.
That is a new implementation that was not a restriction previously and I think it will negagitively affect the promotion of PMI to new student membership.
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Apr 17, 2018 2:44 AM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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It may well be David. But since they own the copyright, I guess it's their call.
Saving Changes...
Ghahreman AbouzarCommissioning specialist| Protech Engineering.IncPort Coquetlam,, British Columbia, Canada
I prefered to use library ebook. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I am sure they intentionally disabled the print option as it doesn’t only apply to the PMBOK but also the practice standards are as well not printable.
They way I look at this is that you do have a benefit as a paid member to access and download the PMBOK and other documents but there are copyrights and reproduction usually is not allowed. Printing is considered reproduction as far as I am aware. Saving Changes...
I agree with all the points raised by Rami. Yes, this would be beneficial for paid members access for download and print the document for exam preparation.
However, it would be challenging to control reproduction and printing by the fake authors since there so many IT tools are now available to copy and reprint the documents.
I respect the copyright authority of PMI and all the contributors who worked hard for preparing and publishing PMBOK V6. Saving Changes...
George MonnatTechnical Delivery Manager| Kapsch TrafficCom North AmericaAustin, Tx, United States
There is a similar discussion that you may find interesting here:
Thank you Sante,
That really is a shame if its by design.
That is a new implementation that was not a restriction previously and I think it will negagitively affect the promotion of PMI to new student membership.
It may well be David. But since they own the copyright, I guess it's their call. Saving Changes...
It does seem like overkill since they add your name in the footer of each page and watermark each page to prevent duplication. On top of that, the printed versions are using a grey colored paper that is supposed to defeat photocopying.
I totally get the need to protect IP, but if their stated aim is still to elevate the visibility of project management, you'd think there would be more openness to getting key standards like the PMBOK Guide in as many hands as possible...
Kiron
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1 reply by Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
Apr 17, 2018 9:23 AM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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Especially for people that are already PMP certified or have applied for the certification.
It does seem like overkill since they add your name in the footer of each page and watermark each page to prevent duplication. On top of that, the printed versions are using a grey colored paper that is supposed to defeat photocopying.
I totally get the need to protect IP, but if their stated aim is still to elevate the visibility of project management, you'd think there would be more openness to getting key standards like the PMBOK Guide in as many hands as possible...
Kiron
Especially for people that are already PMP certified or have applied for the certification. Saving Changes...
JOEDETH ANN INFANTEMaintenance Planner| JGC PHILIPPINES INC.Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines
Is it possible to request to PMI to grant access to be able to print PMBOK? I will take PMP exam and need to review, I prefer to study thru hard copy so can do some notes, highlights, etc. Printed copies will be for my personal use only.
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1 reply by David L. Rico, PMP
Oct 17, 2023 11:19 AM
David L. Rico, PMP
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Hi Joedeth,
I'm afraid the PMI's stance is rather solid on this. I prefer the hard copy too when I'm in study mode.
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