Add a password that readers must enter to open your PDF. This tool sends the document and the passwords needed for processing to our conversion service, then downloads an encrypted copy. Use it only for files you are authorized to protect.
How to password-protect a PDF
- Choose one PDF and keep an unchanged original. Wait for the conversion service to connect; a sleeping service may take a moment to start.
- Enter a user password. This is the password a recipient will need to open the downloaded PDF. Use a strong, unique password and keep a record somewhere safe.
- Optionally enter a separate owner password. If the source is already encrypted, supply its current password as well. Keep AES-256 selected unless you need AES-128 for a specific reader.
- Select Protect PDF and download. Reopen the downloaded copy in your PDF reader and confirm that it asks for the password and that the pages still look correct.
Opening passwords and owner passwords
The user password controls ordinary access to the document. The owner password provides full access in readers that honor PDF permissions. Either password can open the file, so keep both private.
Leaving the optional owner password blank uses the user password for both roles. This page adds encryption with reader actions allowed by default. Use PDF Permissions when you also need to set printing, copying or editing restrictions.
Choose encryption and check compatibility
AES-256 is the default. AES-128 is available for compatibility with readers that support that format. An older application may not open an encrypted PDF even when the password is correct; test the result in the application your recipient uses.
Encryption does not redact confidential content or stop an authorized reader from taking screenshots or sharing the password. For example, when sending a private report, protect the final copy, check it locally and share the opening password through a separate channel.
Uploads, limits and existing signatures
Protection runs on the server, not solely in your browser. The PDF and processing passwords are sent when you select the protection action. The hosted PDF upload limit is currently 5 MB; use the limit shown in the interface if the configuration changes.
This operation rewrites the PDF. It does not preserve the validity of existing digital signatures, and it is not a substitute for keeping your signed original. Check forms and other important document features in the output.
A preview shows the source document; it does not prove that the downloaded copy is encrypted. Reopen the actual download to test it. Read the file retention policy before uploading sensitive material.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover a forgotten PDF password here?
No. This tool sets a new password and requires the current password when needed to read an encrypted source. It does not recover or guess forgotten passwords.
Can I stop printing as well as require a password?
Use PDF Permissions to set reader restrictions and an optional opening password together. Those restrictions depend on the PDF reader honoring them.
Does selecting a file upload it immediately?
No. Selecting a PDF prepares a local preview. Opening this server tool makes a connection check; the PDF and passwords are uploaded when you run the protection action.