Protect PDF
Add a password and control printing, copying and editing. AES-256.
or drop files here
Free: files up to 100 MB · up to 10 files · 15 of 15 free tasks left today. See plans
Files are encrypted in transit and deleted after 2 hours. You can delete them sooner.
To password protect a PDF, add it to Protect PDF, type a password (twice) and select Protect PDF; the file is encrypted with AES-256 and cannot be opened without the password.
How to password protect a PDF in 3 steps
- 1
Choose the PDF files you want to protect, or drop them anywhere on the page.
- 2
Type a password and confirm it. Anyone opening the PDF will need it.
- 3
Select Protect PDF, then download the locked file.
What can Protect PDF do?
- AES-256 encryption by default, with AES-128 and RC4 for very old readers.
- Optional restrictions on printing, copying text, editing, comments, forms and page changes.
- One password for many files at once.
- Password strength hints, a show and hide button, and a check that both entries match.
- A random owner password is created for you when you restrict a document, with a Copy button.
- Files are deleted automatically after 2 hours.
How do I password protect a PDF?
To password protect a PDF, add it to Protect PDF, type a password twice and select Protect PDF; the file is encrypted with AES-256 and only opens with that password. Choose a password of at least six characters; longer is better. The strength meter shows what could be stronger, but only the length is required. One password can protect many files at once.
Can I stop people printing or copying a PDF?
Yes. Under More options you can restrict printing, copying text and images, editing, comments, form filling and page changes. Printing can be high quality, low quality or not allowed. Text access for screen readers always stays on, so people using assistive technology can still read the document.
What if the PDF is already protected or signed?
Enter the current password when asked; we open the file and apply the new password. To remove a password later, use Unlock PDF. Adding a password changes the file, so a digital signature or PDF/A status may no longer be valid, and we tell you when that applies. Sign first with Sign PDF, then protect.
Your files are processed on our servers and deleted automatically within 2 hours, or sooner if you press Delete now on the result page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you password protect a PDF for free?
Yes. Protect PDF is free with daily tasks and no sign-up: add the file, type a password twice and select Protect PDF. A free account raises the daily limits.
Can you protect a PDF from editing?
Yes. Under More options, restrict editing, copying, printing, comments, form filling or page changes. Some PDF apps ignore these restrictions, so only the open password reliably keeps people out.
Is there a way to password protect a PDF without Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. Protect PDF works in any modern browser on computers and phones, with no software to install. The protected file opens in any PDF reader that asks for the password.
Which encryption does Protect PDF use?
AES-256 by default, the strongest standard in the PDF format. You can pick AES-128 or RC4-128 under More options for very old PDF readers, but RC4 is not secure.
Can I get my password back if I forget it?
No. We cannot recover a password, and neither can anyone else, so keep it somewhere safe before you share the file.
What is the owner password?
The owner password lets someone change the restrictions later, while the open password lets people read the PDF. If you restrict printing or editing we create a random owner password for you, or you can set your own.
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Last updated October 23, 2026