How to password-protect a PDF
- Upload the PDF you want to protect.
- Enter a password and type it again to confirm. Tick Show passwords to check for typos.
- Choose what people can do once they open it: print, copy text and images, and edit or annotate.
- Click Protect PDF and download the encrypted file.
Genuine encryption, not a fake lock
This tool encrypts the whole document using AES-256, the encryption method defined in the PDF 2.0 standard and supported by Adobe Acrobat, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, macOS Preview and other modern readers. Without the password, the contents can’t be read. We tested the output with independent PDF software to confirm that it is properly encrypted and that the password is required.
Encryption happens on your device using an open-source build of pdf-lib with encryption support, so neither your file nor your password is sent anywhere. A random owner password is generated automatically to store the permission settings. Keep your password somewhere safe: there is no way to recover it, and we never see it.
When to protect a PDF
- Emailing payslips, tax documents or bank statements.
- Sharing contracts or legal documents with a client.
- Sending medical reports or other personal information.
- Distributing paid guides or internal reports to a limited audience.
Protect PDF FAQ
How strong should my password be?
Use at least 12 characters with a mix of words, numbers and symbols. Our Password Generator can create one for you. Share the password through a different channel than the file.
Are the permission settings enforced everywhere?
Mainstream PDF readers respect them, but some apps ignore print and copy restrictions. The open password, however, is enforced by the encryption itself.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes, in a PDF reader or editor where you enter the password and save an unprotected copy.