Password Protect PDF

Require a password to open the PDF and choose what readers may do.

Files are processed on this device and never uploaded.

Drag a file here, or choose one from your device.

Guide

About Protect PDF

Protect PDF encrypts a document so it needs a password to open, and lets you choose what readers may do once it is open: print, copy text and images, fill in forms, add comments, or change the document.

Use it to password protect a PDF, encrypt a PDF before emailing it, or stop others from printing or copying a document.

How to use it

  1. Choose the PDF.
  2. Enter a password and Type it again to confirm.
  3. Under What readers may do, tick the actions you want to allow.
  4. Press Protect and download the protected copy.

Good to know

  • The password cannot be recovered. Keep it somewhere safe before you share the file.
  • Passwords made of ordinary letters, numbers and symbols (ASCII) work in every PDF reader. Accented or non-Latin characters may not be accepted by some readers.
  • Restrictions such as no printing are honoured by well-behaved readers, but they are not a guarantee against someone determined to get around them. The open password is the real protection.

Questions and answers

What happens if I forget the password?

The file cannot be opened. There is no recovery, which is the point of encryption, so store the password safely.

Can I stop people from printing or copying?

Yes. Untick Print or Copy text and images. Most readers respect these settings, although they are not unbreakable.

Is my password sent anywhere?

No. The encryption happens in your browser; neither the file nor the password leaves your device.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes, with Unlock PDF, as long as you know the password.