Drop PDF file here or click to upload
Select a PDF file to add password protection
AES-256 Encryption
Industry-standard encryption protects your documents with the same security used by banks and governments.
Two-Level Protection
Set both open password (to view) and permissions password (to control printing, copying, editing).
100% Private
Your files and passwords never leave your device. All encryption happens locally in your browser.
Universal Compatibility
Protected PDFs work with all major PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat, Preview, and browser viewers.
How to Password Protect a PDF
Upload Your PDF
Click to browse or drag and drop the PDF file you want to protect.
Set Document Password
Enter a strong password that will be required to open the PDF. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for maximum security.
Configure Permissions (Optional)
Set a permissions password and choose which actions to allow or restrict: printing, copying text, editing, or adding annotations.
Download Protected PDF
Click "Protect PDF" to encrypt your document. Download the protected file and store your password securely.
When to Password Protect PDFs
Confidential Business Documents
Protect financial reports, business plans, and internal memos from unauthorized access when sharing via email or cloud storage.
Legal Documents
Secure contracts, agreements, and legal filings. Prevent unauthorized modifications while allowing viewing.
Personal Records
Protect tax documents, medical records, and personal identification documents stored digitally.
Intellectual Property
Secure research papers, creative works, and proprietary information. Prevent copying while allowing viewing.
Client Deliverables
Protect reports and documents sent to clients. Restrict printing or copying until final payment is received.
Educational Materials
Protect course materials, exam papers, and educational content from unauthorized distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between open password and permissions password?
The open password (user password) is required to view the PDF at all. The permissions password (owner password) controls what actions are allowed - even if someone can open the document, they may not be able to print, copy, or edit it without the permissions password.
How secure is the PDF encryption?
We use AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for secure documents. This is the same encryption level used by governments and financial institutions to protect sensitive data.
Can I remove password protection later?
Yes, if you know the password, you can use our Unlock PDF tool to remove password protection from your PDF file. Without the correct password, the encryption cannot be removed.
Is my password stored anywhere?
No! Your password is never stored or transmitted. All encryption happens locally in your browser. We never see your password or your files - they never leave your device.
What if I forget the password?
Since we don't store your password anywhere, there is no way to recover a forgotten password. We strongly recommend keeping a secure record of your passwords before protecting important documents.
Will protected PDFs work on all devices?
Yes, password-protected PDFs created with our tool are compatible with all standard PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, macOS Preview, and web browsers.