Protect PDF
Keep a document private when sending it. Protect PDF encrypts the file with AES-256 so it can only be opened with the password, and can also restrict what others may do with it.
Your file stays on your device and is processed in your browser.
or drop files here
One PDF up to 200 MB.
How to password-protect a PDF
- Select the PDF.
- Enter an open password and confirm it.
- Optionally set a permissions password and choose the allowed actions: printing, copying, editing, commenting and form filling.
- Press Protect PDF and download the encrypted file.
Key features
- Real AES-256 encryption (PDF 2.0 standard security).
- The file is reopened with each password to confirm it works before download.
- Passwords are used only in your browser and never stored.
Supported files and limits
- Permission restrictions depend on the viewer respecting them; the open password is what actually protects the content.
- Already-protected PDFs are refused; unlock them first.
- Requires a secure (HTTPS) connection in a current browser.
- Passwords can be up to 127 bytes; if you forget it, the file can't be opened.
How your files are handled
Protect PDF runs in your browser: your file is read and processed on your device and the result is created there, so documents aren't uploaded to a server. Passwords you enter are used only for this operation and aren't stored. The site only counts anonymous page views, without cookies. How it works · Privacy
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if I forget the password?
The file can't be opened. No tool on this site can recover or bypass the password, so keep it somewhere safe.
Do permission restrictions stop everyone?
They're honoured by most PDF viewers but not enforced by all software. Use an open password if the content must stay private.