Protect your PDF with a document password
Add password encryption to a PDF so recipients need the correct password before they can open its contents.
- 1 free task a day, no account needed
- No watermarks
- Encrypted in transit
- Deleted automatically
Protect PDF online, free
Add an opening password to a PDF and download an encrypted PDF. Use it for documents that should only open for recipients who know the password; send that password over a separate channel.
Good for: send sensitive records, protect client documents, share private forms.
- Access control
- Portable protection
- Simple distribution
Access control
Require a password before the encrypted document can be opened.
Portable protection
Password protection travels with the downloaded PDF.
Simple distribution
Share one PDF with authorized readers who have its password.
Works on any device
Protect PDF runs in the browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. Nothing to install.
How to protect your PDF with a document password
- 1
Upload the PDF to protect.
- 2
Set an opening password using the protection editor.
- 3
Encrypt and download the protected PDF.
Limits and formats
- Input
- Output
- Files per run
- Up to 3
- Max file size
- 25 MB for guests; free account 50 MB, Premium 500 MB
- Kept for
- 1 hour, then deleted
- Account
- Not required
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I forget the password?
Keep the original unprotected file or a secure record of the password; you may not be able to open the protected copy without it.
Can a recipient open it on a Mac or iPhone?
Yes. Use a PDF reader that supports encrypted PDFs and enter the opening password.
Does this prevent printing or copying?
An opening password controls access to the document. Use Restrict PDF Permissions for separate printing and copying settings.
Does encryption change the pages?
The PDF remains a PDF with the same intended visible pages; the protection applies to access, not layout.
How are uploaded PDFs handled?
Guests can upload files up to 25 MB each. A free account raises the limit to 50 MB per file, and Premium allows 500 MB per file with larger batches.
Anything missing? Read how files are handled or write to support.
Related PDF tools
Tools people use before or after Protect PDF.
- Unlock PDFRemove password protection from a PDF when you know its password.
- Restrict PDF PermissionsNewControl PDF printing, copying, editing and annotation permissions.
- Remove PDF MetadataNewClear document properties and embedded XMP metadata from a PDF.
- Flatten PDFNewFlatten editable form fields and annotations into PDF pages.
- Sign PDFPlace a drawn or typed electronic signature on your PDF document.
- Merge PDFJoin multiple PDF files into a single document in the order you choose.
74 free PDF tools in one place
Convert, organize, edit, protect and compress PDFs without installing anything.