What is the difference between the open password and the owner password?

The open password is what readers type to view the file. The owner password unlocks full control, including changing permissions. If you leave the owner password empty, the open password is used for both.

Is my password sent anywhere?

No. Encryption runs in your browser's memory. Neither the password nor the file is transmitted, and nothing is stored once you close the page.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes, as long as you know it. Use the Unlock PDF tool, enter the password, and download an unencrypted copy.

Will the protected PDF open in every viewer?

AES-256 is supported by Acrobat Reader, Preview on macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge and all modern PDF apps. Very old viewers from before 2008 may not open it.

Protect PDF

Encrypt a PDF with a password and control printing and copying.

Files never leave your device
Instant, no queue
No upload, no signup
Free, no watermark

Drop your files here

or browse from your device

PDF files · up to 200 MB each · paste with ⌘V / Ctrl+V

Processed on your device, never uploaded

How it works

How to use protect pdf

Add the PDF files you want to lock.

Enter the password that will be required to open the file. Optionally set a separate owner password and choose whether printing, copying and editing are allowed.

Click Protect PDF and download the encrypted file. Store the password somewhere safe; it cannot be recovered.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Files are encrypted with AES-256, the strongest cipher defined by the PDF standard and the one used by Acrobat for new documents. With a good password it is not practically breakable; with a short or common password any encryption is weak, so choose a long one.