Password Protect a PDF

How do you password protect a PDF?

To password protect a PDF, upload the file, set a password of at least 12 mixed characters, and download the encrypted copy. Encryption runs in your browser, so neither the document nor the password is ever transmitted anywhere. A forgotten password cannot be recovered or reset by anyone.

Last updated 2026-07-30

Encrypt a PDF so it cannot be opened without the password. Because encryption runs locally, neither the document nor the password is ever transmitted anywhere.

How to use Password Protect a PDF

  1. Upload the PDF — Drop in the document you want to secure.
  2. Set a password — Choose a strong password and confirm it. Store it safely — it cannot be recovered.
  3. Download the encrypted PDF — Save the protected file. Opening it will now require the password.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I forget the password?
The file cannot be opened. We do not store passwords and there is no reset — keep a copy in a password manager before you rely on the encrypted version.
Is it safe to enter a password on a website?
Here, yes — encryption runs in your browser with JavaScript, so the password is never sent over the network. You can confirm this by disconnecting from the internet after the page loads; the tool still works.
How strong should the password be?
Use at least 12 characters mixing upper and lower case, digits and symbols. Short dictionary passwords can be brute-forced offline once someone has the file.

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