Can the password be recovered?

No. If the password is lost the document cannot be opened, so keep a copy of it somewhere safe.

Is a password-protected PDF safe to email?

Yes, provided you send the password through a separate channel from the file itself.

Does the password protect tool work for online form and portal uploads?

Yes. It is built for portals that enforce strict file limits — exam boards, job applications, university and government forms. You control the output before you download it.

Will it work on a low-end phone or a slow mobile connection?

Yes. Files are processed inside your browser instead of being uploaded, so nothing depends on upload speed and it works on budget phones on 3G or 4G.

Is there any charge, watermark or sign-up?

No. Every tool is completely free, unlimited, watermark-free and requires no account, email or payment.

All tools

Password protect a PDF online — encrypt with a password

Encrypt with AES so the file cannot be opened without a password.

Drop your file here

Drag it anywhere in this area — everything stays on your device.

Guide, features and FAQ for password protect PDF online(tap to expand)

How to password protect PDF in your browser

Add a password to a PDF so the file cannot be opened without it. Strong AES encryption is applied locally, which means you can lock a PDF online without handing a confidential document to an upload queue.

1Upload the PDF you want to protect.
2Type the password readers will need.
3Encrypt the document.
4Download the password-protected PDF.

What this password protect PDF online tool does

Strong AES encryption

Modern AES encryption is applied to the document, readable by every current PDF viewer.

Open password

Anyone opening the encrypted PDF must type the password you set — including you, so store it safely.

Pair with permissions

Combine an open password with printing and copying restrictions using the Set permissions tool.

Why people use it

Free with no account, no email and no watermark
Runs in the browser — documents stay on your device
Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS
Also great for encrypt PDF free and add password to PDF

Frequently asked questions

Can the password be recovered?: No. If the password is lost the document cannot be opened, so keep a copy of it somewhere safe.
Is a password-protected PDF safe to email?: Yes, provided you send the password through a separate channel from the file itself.
Does the password protect tool work for online form and portal uploads?: Yes. It is built for portals that enforce strict file limits — exam boards, job applications, university and government forms. You control the output before you download it.
Will it work on a low-end phone or a slow mobile connection?: Yes. Files are processed inside your browser instead of being uploaded, so nothing depends on upload speed and it works on budget phones on 3G or 4G.
Is there any charge, watermark or sign-up?: No. Every tool is completely free, unlimited, watermark-free and requires no account, email or payment.

Related PDF tools

Continue your workflow with another free PDF tool from PaperWorksPDF.

Unlock PDFRemove encryption from a file you know the password for.Set permissionsControl printing, copying, editing and form filling.Add watermarkStamp text or a logo across every page.Whiteout & redactPermanently cover sensitive areas before sharing.Flatten PDFBake annotations and form fields into the page content.

Browse all PDF tools