Password protect PDF for Free
Lock a PDF so only people with the password can open it.
- Never uploaded
- Free · no watermark
- No sign-up
How it works
- 1Select your PDF.
- 2Type a password twice.
- 3Download the locked PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Which encryption does Protect PDF use?
AES-256, the strongest encryption the PDF format offers. Adobe Acrobat Reader, Chrome and the PDF viewers on Android and iPhone open it once the password is typed.
What is the difference between a user password and an owner password?
The user password is what people type to open the file, and that is the one you set here. The owner password controls permissions; we set a random one that nobody sees, so the restrictions cannot be lifted with a guessed owner password.
Can I stop people from printing my PDF?
Yes. Turn off 'Allow printing' and PDF readers that follow the rules will block printing. Editing and changing pages are always blocked, while copying text stays allowed.
Can someone break the password on my PDF?
AES-256 itself cannot practically be broken, so the real risk is a password that is easy to guess. Use something long, like three words and a number, rather than a name or birth date.
Can you recover my PDF password if I lose it?
No. The password is not stored anywhere, so it cannot be recovered. Keep your original unlocked file, or note the password somewhere safe.
How should I share the password with the person receiving the file?
Send it separately from the file, for example the PDF by email and the password by SMS or a call. Then someone who gets one does not automatically get both.
Can I change the password on a PDF that is already locked?
Yes. Enter the current password first, then set a new one of at least 4 characters. The downloaded file opens only with the new password.
Are my files uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is processed inside your browser on your own phone or computer. Nothing is sent to a server, so it is safe for Aadhaar, PAN, bank statements and other private documents.
Is it free? Do I need to sign up?
It is completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily limit.