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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
or click to browse — one file at a time
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.
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.
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