About Password Protect
Protect PDF adds password encryption to a PDF document. Anyone who opens the file must enter the password to view the content — a standard technique for protecting contracts, medical records, tax returns, and other sensitive documents during transit.
Encryption runs entirely in your browser. Neither your source PDF nor your password is ever transmitted to our servers.
How it works
- Upload your PDFDrop the PDF you want to protect.
- Set a passwordChoose a password of at least 4 characters. Longer passwords are stronger — aim for 12+ characters with mixed types.
- Click ProtectThe PDF is encrypted and made password-required for opening.
When to use Password Protect
Emailing sensitive documents
When emailing contracts, tax forms, or medical records, password-protect first and share the password via a separate channel (text, call).
Protecting archived documents
Documents stored on a shared drive or in cloud storage are safer when encrypted. Set a strong password and back it up in a password manager.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the encryption?
PDF files use AES encryption (128-bit or 256-bit depending on implementation). Sufficient for typical document protection — not appropriate for nation-state-level adversaries.
What if I forget the password?
There is no recovery option — the password is the only way to open the file. Save it in a password manager immediately after protecting.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes, using our Unlock PDF tool. You need the password to unlock.