PdfNext

Protect a PDF with a password

Add a password to a PDF with strong 256-bit AES encryption. Anyone opening the file will need the password. Encryption happens on your device.

Drop a PDF here or Choose file Stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded.

Processed by your browser. Your files never leave this device.

How to protect a PDF with a password

  1. 1

    Add your PDF.

  2. 2

    Choose a password and type it again to confirm.

  3. 3

    Tap Protect PDF and download the encrypted copy.

Questions

How strong is the protection?

Files are encrypted with 256-bit AES, the strongest standard PDF encryption, which every modern PDF reader supports. A long password that is hard to guess matters most.

What if I forget the password?

There is no way to recover it, for us or anyone else. Keep the password somewhere safe, and keep your original file.

Can people print or copy text once it is open?

Yes. The password controls who can open the file. Once opened, the PDF can be printed and copied as usual.

Is my password or file uploaded?

No. The encryption runs in your browser. Neither the file nor the password leaves this device.

More free tools

Unlock PDFRemove the password from a PDF you can open. Add watermarkStamp text like DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL on every page. Compress PDFMake PDFs smaller for email and uploads. Merge PDFCombine several PDFs into one, in the order you choose.

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