Password Protect PDF (Encrypt)
Add an open password to a PDF and save it encrypted with AES-256. Your file and password never leave your device. To remove a password instead, use the PDF Page Editor. Need a strong password? Generate one with the Password Generator.
🔒 Runs in your browser · Your data is never sent to a server
You can also drag and drop a PDF file here
Pick a single .pdf file.
Letters, digits and symbols (ASCII) are recommended; some PDF readers cannot open files with non-ASCII passwords.
If left empty, a random value is used and nobody can lift the restrictions.
Please note
- If you forget the password you can no longer open the PDF, and this tool cannot recover it. Keep a copy of the password somewhere safe.
- Print/copy/edit restrictions may be ignored by some PDF readers and tools. For real confidentiality, rely on the open password.
- PDFs that are already password-protected cannot be processed.
Result
How to use
- Choose a PDF file.
- Enter the password required to open the PDF.
- Select which actions to allow: printing, copying, and editing (the "Permissions password" is optional).
- Press "Encrypt" and download the result. Keep a copy of the password somewhere safe.
Glossary
AES-256
A strong symmetric cipher in wide use today and part of PDF 2.0. Brute-forcing the key is impractical, though a short password is still easy to guess.
Open password (user password)
The password requested when opening the PDF.
Permissions password (owner password)
The password that lets someone change the print/copy/edit restrictions. Restrictions depend on the PDF reader honoring them.
FAQ
What if I forget the password?
You will not be able to open the PDF, and this tool cannot recover the password. Keep a copy in a safe place.
What encryption is used?
An open password is set and the PDF is encrypted with AES-256. The file and password are processed in your browser and never leave your device.
Does it work on PDFs that are already protected?
No. PDFs that already have a password cannot be processed. Remove the existing protection first.
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