Drag and drop your PDF here
Your file never leaves your device; everything is processed in your browser.
What can people with the password do?
How to Password-Protect a PDF
- Choose your PDF file.
- Enter the password twice. If you like, turn off printing, copying, or editing permissions.
- Click Encrypt and Download. The encrypted file asks for the password every time it is opened.
How Secure Is It?
- The file is encrypted with AES-256, the same standard banks use. A file protected with a strong password cannot be opened without it.
- Your password and file are never sent to a server; encryption happens in your browser.
- Store your password somewhere safe. A forgotten password cannot be recovered, and nobody, including us, can open the file without it.
- Use at least 12 characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols. You can create one with the Password Generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the protected PDF open in any PDF reader?
Yes. AES-256 encryption is supported by Adobe Acrobat Reader, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, macOS Preview, and mobile PDF apps; all of them ask for the password when the file is opened.
Do the print and copy restrictions fully stop people?
These are permissions that PDF readers are expected to honor. Reputable apps respect them, but they are not an absolute barrier. The real protection is the open password.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes. If you know the password, the Unlock PDF tool creates an unprotected copy.