Protect PDF
Protect PDF secures your document with industry-standard AES-256 encryption. Nobody without the password can open the file. You can also independently disable printing, content copying, and editing permissions. Everything happens in your browser — your file is never sent to a server.
How to use
- 1Upload your PDF file.
- 2Set and confirm a password.
- 3Choose the permission settings.
- 4Download your encrypted PDF.
Why FREE PDF?
- Completely free
- No account required
- Processing happens in your browser whenever possible
- Your files stay yours
Related Tools
View PDF Metadata
View the title, author, and creation details embedded in your PDF.
Clean PDF Metadata
Strip title, author, and other metadata from your PDF.
Unlock PDF
Remove password protection from a PDF whose password you already know.
Remove Image Metadata
Strip hidden EXIF data like camera model, capture date, and GPS location from your photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which permissions can I restrict?
You can toggle permissions like printing, copying, and editing individually; these are blocked without the password.
Can I still open the PDF if I forget the password?
No, encryption is real protection — if you forget the password, there's no known way to open the document. Store it somewhere safe.
Does encrypting send my document to a server?
No, encryption happens entirely in your browser; your document and password never leave your device.
Will the encrypted PDF open in every program?
Yes, standard PDF encryption is used; it opens with the correct password in any compliant PDF viewer, including Adobe Reader.