Password-protect a PDF
Encrypt a PDF with a password to restrict opening.
Protect PDF with a password (complete guide)
Password protection encrypts your PDF so it can’t be opened without the password. This is useful when you share a document externally (email, cloud link) and want basic access control. The safest workflow is: finalize content → clean metadata → optimize size → protect.
When to protect (best practice)
- Protect at the end: encryption can block other tools until you unlock the file again.
- Use a strong password: avoid short or reused passwords.
- Share password separately: send the PDF and password via different channels.
Suggested workflow
- Remove pages you don’t want to share: Remove pages or Extract pages.
- Clean document properties: Remove metadata.
- Reduce size if needed: Compress PDF (and Grayscale PDF for scans).
- Protect the final PDF with a password (this tool).
Privacy & retention
Files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).
Troubleshooting
- Password doesn’t work: check keyboard layout and hidden spaces; try copying/pasting carefully.
- Need to edit after protecting: unlock first with Unlock PDF, then edit, then protect again.
- File is already encrypted: unlock first, then protect with your chosen password.
How it works
- Upload a PDF.
- Enter a password.
- Download the protected PDF.
FAQ
Can I set permissions (printing/copy)?
Not currently. This tool focuses on an open password (encrypt-to-open).
If I forget the password?
We cannot recover it. Keep your password safe.
Can I protect an already protected PDF?
Unlock it first, then protect again with the new password.
Should I protect before compressing or after?
After. Protecting first can block other tools until you unlock.
Does protecting change the content?
No. It encrypts the document so it requires a password to open.
Will this remove metadata too?
No. Use Remove metadata before protecting.
Can I still merge/split after protecting?
Only after unlocking the PDF again.
Is password protection 100% secure?
It’s strong for casual access control, but security depends on password strength and sharing practices.
How long are my files stored?
Files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).
What’s the best way to share the password?
Send the password separately (e.g., SMS/Signal) and the PDF by email or link.
Related tools
Privacy note: files are stored temporarily for processing and deleted on scheduled cleanup (typically within 12 hours).