About Protect PDF
Protect PDF files with a password so only people who know it can open them. Upload the file, type a password of at least 4 characters and download the encrypted copy, named after yours with -protected added. The password is applied as both the opening and the owner password. No software installation is needed. Nothing needs to be installed.
By default the file is encrypted with 128-bit AES. Free members can also tick AES-256 and add restrictions that block printing, copying and editing; guests see these options but need a free account to use them. Choose a long password you will remember, because we cannot recover it. Files are processed on our server and deleted automatically after 30 minutes.
How to use Protect PDF
- 01
Upload a PDF.
- 02
Choose a password.
- 03
Download the encrypted PDF.
When to use it
- Lock a payslip or tax document before emailing it to someone.
- Add a password to a scanned ID or contract stored in the cloud.
- Share a draft with a client while blocking printing and copying.
- Protect a personal PDF such as a medical report before uploading it.
- Encrypt a file with AES-256 for stronger protection of sensitive content.
Frequently asked questions
How do I password protect a PDF for free?
Upload the PDF, enter a password of at least 4 characters and process it. Download the protected file and share the password separately. No account or watermark is involved.
What kind of encryption is used?
By default 128-bit AES. Free members can choose AES-256 instead. Protection strength still depends on password length, so use a long, unique password and avoid obvious words.
Can I stop people from printing or copying the PDF?
Free members can tick the option that blocks printing, copying and editing. Note that restrictions depend on the viewer respecting them; the password itself is the real protection against opening.
What if I forget the password?
We do not store the password, and we cannot recover it or open the file for you. Keep the password somewhere safe, and keep an unprotected copy of the original if you need it.
Do you keep my password or my file?
The password is used once to encrypt the file and is not stored. The uploaded file and result are deleted automatically after 30 minutes. Share the password through a different channel than the file.
What are the file limits?
Guests can protect files up to 10 MB with 15 PDF jobs a day. Free members get 50 MB per file and 150 jobs a day. A free account is also needed for AES-256 and restrictions.