How to password protect a PDF for free
If a PDF holds anything private — an ID, a payslip, a contract — you can lock it with a password so it cannot be opened without one. Because this tool encrypts the file inside your browser, the document and the password never touch a server.
Open the Protect PDFStep by step
- 1
Open the Protect PDF tool
Open the Protect PDF tool. No account or install is needed.
- 2
Add your PDF
Drag your PDF in or click to choose it from your device.
- 3
Set a strong password
Type the password that will be required to open the file. Use something long and unique.
- 4
Download the protected PDF
Click protect and download. The new PDF now asks for your password on every open.
Tips
- Store the password in a password manager — an encrypted PDF cannot be recovered if you forget it.
- Send the password through a different channel than the file (e.g. text the password, email the PDF).
- For a file you only need to protect while sharing, remove the password again later by re-saving without one.
Frequently asked questions
Is a password-protected PDF actually encrypted?
Yes. The tool applies standard PDF encryption tied to your password, so the contents are unreadable without it — not just hidden behind a prompt.
Can you recover my PDF if I lose the password?
No, and neither can anyone else — that is the point of encryption. Keep the password somewhere safe.
Does my PDF get uploaded to protect it?
No. Encryption happens locally in your browser; the file never leaves your device.