Skip to content
Your files stay on your device

File processing runs in your browser. Documents are not uploaded to our servers. The site may download processing engines and send usage or feedback events without file contents.

How we handle your data

Protect PDF

Protect PDF with an opening password on your device. Printing, copying and editing are not restricted after the file is opened. Files stay in your browser.

Small converter download on first use.

One PDF, up to 20 MiB. The original file stays unchanged.

Use at least 12 characters. Keep a copy: there is no password recovery.

Try an example

Download sample

The downloaded PDF should require your chosen password and retain both pages.

What to expect

Protection uses AES-256 and sets a password to open the PDF; after opening, printing, copying and editing are not restricted. Unlocking requires the existing password; this tool does not guess passwords. Changing a PDF can invalidate digital signatures.

Processing stops after 30 seconds. Protected input can be up to 30 MiB; output is limited to 30 MiB.

The first run may download converter files and take a moment. If it fails, check your connection or try a smaller file. Cancel stops active processing; you can choose another file and retry.

Engine licenses and source code

A practical guide

Set an opening password.

  1. Open the PDF you want to protect.
  2. Enter the password readers must type to open it.
  3. Download the protected PDF and open it once to test the password.

Try this example

Protect a 12-page contract before emailing it, then open the downloaded copy and confirm that the password prompt appears.

Before you start: The password only controls opening. Once the file is open, printing, copying and editing are not restricted. Keep the password: it cannot be recovered.