Protect a PDF with a password
Add strong AES-256 encryption so only people with the password can open the file. Nothing is uploaded.
- Your files are never uploaded
- Processed on your device
- Works offline
- Free, no sign-up
Drop your PDF files here
PDF files · up to 10 files, 500 MB each
or paste with Ctrl+VLive preview
Settings
Anyone who opens the PDF needs this password.
Needed to change the limits later. If empty, a long random one is used.
How it works
Add your PDF
One or more files.
Type a password
Type it twice, and choose what people may do with the file.
Download
The protected copy asks for the password when opened.
Strong protection
The PDF is encrypted with AES-256, the strongest method PDF readers support. Without the password, the content cannot be read.
Choose a long password and keep it safe. There is no way to recover a forgotten password.
Why it matters that nothing is uploaded
Other websites receive both your document and its password. Here, both stay in your browser.
Private
Your file is processed inside your browser with qpdf, an open-source PDF library (Apache-2.0), running as WebAssembly. Passwords are used only in your browser's memory and are never saved. It is never uploaded, and nothing is saved after you close the page.
Questions
Are my files uploaded?
No. The tool runs inside your browser, so your files are opened and changed on your own device. They are never sent to us or to anyone else.
What if I forget the password?
The file cannot be opened. Keep the original unprotected file, or store the password in a password manager.
Do all PDF readers support it?
AES-256 works in all current PDF readers, including Adobe Acrobat, browsers, Preview on Mac and phone apps.
Is it free?
Yes. Free to use, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily limits.
Related tools
More free tools that run on your device. No uploads