Password protect a PDF
Lock a document with real AES-256 encryption, not a viewer setting. You can also restrict what someone may do after opening it — printing, copying text, editing or annotating.
How to password protect a PDF
Upload the PDF you want to secure.
Set a password and choose which permissions to allow.
Download the encrypted PDF.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the encryption?
AES-256, the strongest encryption the PDF specification defines. Its strength in practice depends on your password being hard to guess.
What if I forget the password?
It cannot be recovered — that is what encryption means. Store it somewhere safe before you send the file.
Can I remove a password later?
Yes, with the Unlock PDF tool, provided you know the current password.
Related tools
- Unlock a PDFRemove a password and any print, copy or edit restrictions from a PDF you own. Free online PDF unlocker, no account needed.
- Redact a PDFPermanently delete sensitive content from a PDF — search terms, auto-detected personal data, or areas you draw. Free online.
- Digitally sign a PDFApply a cryptographic PAdES digital signature to a PDF, with an optional visible signature stamp on any page. Free online.
- Watermark a PDFStamp a text watermark across PDF pages — diagonal or tiled, with control over font, size, colour, opacity and angle. Free online.
Your files stay private
Files you upload without an account are processed and then deleted automatically — they are never added to anyone's storage and are not used to train anything. Transfers are encrypted in both directions. Create a free account if you would rather keep your documents in a private vault, or see the pricing plans for unlimited use.