Protect PDF
Add a password so only people you choose can open your PDF.
cloud_upload
Click or drag & drop a PDF file here
Single PDF file, up to 30MB
About Protect PDF
This free Protect PDF tool adds real password protection to a PDF file directly in your browser. Choose a password and permissions, then download a file that only people with the password can open.
How To Use Protect PDF
- Upload a PDF using the box above or drag & drop it in.
- Choose a password and set printing/copying/editing permissions.
- Click "Protect PDF" and download the secured file.
Benefits
- Real, standards-based PDF password protection.
- Control printing, copying, and editing permissions.
- Runs fully in your browser — nothing is uploaded to a server.
- Free, unlimited use with no watermark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will people need the password to open the file? add
Yes — the password you set becomes the "open" password. Anyone without it will be unable to view the PDF.
Will the text still be selectable afterwards? add
No — to apply real, standards-based password protection reliably in the browser, every page is converted into a high-quality image before encrypting. The content still looks the same when opened.
Is my PDF or my password uploaded to a server? add
No, the entire process — including encryption — runs locally in your browser. Nothing is ever sent anywhere.
What if I forget the password afterwards? add
There's no way to recover a forgotten password — keep it somewhere safe. If you get locked out, our Unlock PDF tool can remove a password if you still know it.