Protect Your PDF With a Password
Add a password to a PDF free online to control who can open it. Fast encryption, no signup required.
Drag & drop your file here
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No signup needed · Files never stored on our servers longer than needed to process your request
Some documents shouldn't be openable by just anyone who gets hold of the file — a financial statement, a signed contract, personal records. This tool encrypts a PDF with a password, so only someone who knows it can open the document at all.
The encryption is applied to the file itself, meaning it's protected everywhere it goes afterward — in an inbox, on a shared drive, or on a USB stick — not just while it sits on one particular service.
How to protect your pdf with a password
Upload your PDF
Choose the document you want to protect.
Set a password
Enter a password the recipient will need in order to open the file.
Download your protected PDF
The encrypted file is ready to download and share.
Common ways people use this tool
Accountants password-protect a client's tax documents before emailing them. HR teams protect an employee's compensation letter so it can only be opened by the intended recipient.
Healthcare providers protect a patient's records PDF before sharing it between offices, and landlords protect a tenant's application file containing personal financial details.
A quick tip
Share the password through a different channel than the one used to send the file itself — texting a password separately from an emailed PDF adds real protection if the email account is ever compromised.
Related tools
Pair this with another tool to finish the job.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the password is forgotten?
The file cannot be opened without it — there is no recovery option, so store the password somewhere safe.
Does this also prevent printing or copying the content?
Password protection controls opening the file; for separate restrictions on printing or copying, additional permission settings can be applied during protection.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes, use Unlock PDF with the correct password to remove protection from the file.
Is the encryption strong enough for sensitive documents?
Yes, industry-standard encryption is used to secure the file.
Can I protect a PDF that's already password protected with a different password?
You'll need to unlock it with the current password first, then apply the new one.