Protect PDF with password.
Add AES-256 password protection to any PDF — runs entirely in your browser.
Drop your PDF here
or browse files · max 25 MB
Two levels of PDF protection
Open password (User)
Prevents anyone from viewing the PDF without the password. The file appears encrypted — even the page count is hidden. This is the strongest protection available for PDF files and is what this tool applies.
Permissions password (Owner)
Allows viewing but restricts specific actions like printing, editing, copying text, or annotating. Useful for distributing read-only documents. However, this protection is weaker — many tools can bypass owner restrictions.
Use a strong password — weak ones are trivially crackable
A 4-digit numeric password on a PDF can be cracked in seconds. Use at least 12 characters with mixed types. Our Password Generator can create one for you. Store the password in a password manager — if you lose it, you lose access to the file permanently.
Key Terms
PDF Encryption
The process of scrambling PDF content so it can only be read with the correct password. Uses AES-128 or AES-256 encryption standards.
User Password
Required to open and view the PDF. Without it, the document is completely inaccessible.
Owner Password
Controls permissions like printing, editing, and copying. The PDF can still be opened without it, but certain actions are restricted.