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GuidesVideo downloader

Password protect a PDF

Add a password so only people who know it can open the PDF. Optionally block printing, copying and editing too.

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How do I put a password on a PDF?

Add your PDF, type a password twice and press Protect PDF. The file is encrypted with AES-256, the strongest standard PDF encryption, which Adobe Acrobat, Preview, Chrome, Edge and every modern PDF reader support. Anyone who opens it is asked for the password.

Tick Also block printing, copying and editing to add restrictions as well. The encryption is done by qpdf, a widely used open-source PDF library, running inside your browser, so neither the PDF nor the password is sent anywhere.

Next steps:Unlock PDFWatermark PDFCompress PDF

How it works

  1. Add a PDF

    Select or drop the document.

  2. Choose a password

    Type it twice. Longer passwords are safer.

  3. Download

    Save the protected PDF and keep the password safe.

Guide

Questions

What if I forget the password?

The PDF can't be opened without it, by us or anyone else. Store it in a password manager.

How strong is the protection?

AES-256 with a good password can't realistically be broken. A short or common password can still be guessed, so use 8 characters or more.

Does it work with Adobe Reader and phones?

Yes. AES-256 PDF encryption is supported by all current PDF readers on computers and phones.

What do the restrictions do?

Readers that respect PDF permissions, such as Adobe Acrobat, won't let people print, copy text or edit. Not every app enforces them, so the open password is the real protection.