Password-protect a PDF
Encrypt your PDFs with AES-256 and choose what recipients can do: print, copy, edit. Encryption happens on your device.
Your files never leave your device.
Password-protect a PDF in 3 steps
- 1Add your files by drag and drop or from your device.
- 2Adjust the options if needed, then start processing.
- 3Download the result. No sign-up, no watermark.
Good to know
The document is encrypted with AES-256, the algorithm recommended by the PDF 2.0 standard: without the password its content is unreadable. Encryption is done by your browser, so the password never travels over the Internet. Restrictions (printing, copying, editing) are honoured by mainstream PDF readers; screen readers are always allowed, for accessibility.
Protect PDF: frequently asked questions
Can you recover my password if I forget it?
No. Encryption happens on your device and we never know the password. Keep an unprotected copy of your document.
Will my PDF open everywhere?
Yes: AES-256 is supported by Adobe Acrobat, web browsers, macOS Preview and recent mobile readers.