How to password protect a PDF
- Upload one or more PDFs.
- Type the password twice and set the permissions.
- Click Protect and download the locked PDF.
Payslips, bank statements, tax returns, contracts, medical records or customer lists: some documents should only be read by the person they are meant for. Adding a password encrypts the PDF with AES-256, the strongest encryption the PDF format supports. Without the password its content is unreadable.
You can also decide what readers may do once the file is open: allow or block copying text, and allow or block editing and comments. Printing remains allowed.
Tip: send the password through a different channel than the file (for example the PDF by email and the password by text message). Use at least 4 characters — ideally a longer phrase — and keep it safe: it cannot be recovered if you forget it.
The original file is not kept: everything is deleted from the server after 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I password protect a PDF?
Upload the PDF, type a password (and, if you want, a separate owner password that blocks printing or copying) and click Protect. The file is encrypted with AES-256 and asks for the password in every PDF reader.
How secure is it?
The PDF is encrypted with AES-256. Without the password the content cannot be read.
What if I forget the password?
It cannot be recovered, by you or by us. Keep an unprotected copy or store the password somewhere safe.
Does the recipient need special software?
No, any PDF reader (browser, Adobe Reader, phone) asks for the password when opening the file.
Can I stop people copying the text?
Yes, untick “Allow copying text”. Common PDF readers respect these restrictions, but they don't replace the opening password.
Can I protect several files at once?
Yes, up to 50 PDFs with the same password.