Password-Protect & Encrypt a PDF
Free & private · no signup · no watermarks · files deleted in 1 hour
Need to prevent unauthorised access to or modification of a PDF document? Our Protect PDF tool encrypts your file with 256-bit AES — the same standard used by banks and governments — and lets you set two separate passwords: a user password that must be entered to open the document, and an owner password that controls editing, printing, and copying permissions. You can set either one or both depending on how you want to restrict access.
This is essential for distributing confidential reports, securing legal contracts before emailing, protecting personal documents stored in cloud services, and ensuring only intended recipients can view sensitive financial or medical information. The encryption is applied immediately on our secure server, and the protected PDF works with all standard PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat, Preview, and Foxit.
Key features: 256-bit AES encryption • Separate user and owner passwords • Control open, print, and edit permissions • Works with all PDF readers • Supports PDFs up to 100MB • No watermarks or registration
Upload Files
Drag & drop or select files
Configure
Set your preferences
Download
Get your file instantly
Step 1: Upload Your Files
Supports: PDF • Max file size: 100MB • Unlimited files
Drag & Drop Files Here
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Processing your files
0%Preparing your files...
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Click the download button below to save your file
How to Protect PDF Online — Step by Step
Complete in under 2 minutes. No software, no registration, 100% free.
Upload your PDF
Select or drag in the PDF you want to protect with a password.
Set your passwords
Enter a user password (required to open) and/or an owner password (controls edit/print permissions). You can set one or both.
Click Protect PDF
256-bit AES encryption is applied. Your document is now secured against unauthorised access.
Download your protected PDF
Save the encrypted file. It will require the password to open in any PDF reader.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protect PDF
Everything you need to know about our Protect PDF tool
Yes, completely free. Our Protect PDF tool has no hidden costs, no watermarks, and no registration requirement. You can process as many files as you need, each up to 100MB, at no charge. We believe professional PDF tools should be accessible to everyone — students, freelancers, and businesses alike.
Your files are fully protected. All uploads and downloads use 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption during transfer. Processing happens on our isolated Hetzner server infrastructure in Germany — your file is never shared, analysed for commercial purposes, or stored longer than necessary. Every uploaded and processed file is automatically and permanently deleted within one hour of processing.
Supported file types: This tool accepts PDF files up to 100MB each. For files larger than 100MB, use our Compress PDF tool first.
Portable Document Format
Yes — works on any device. The interface is fully responsive and tested on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Touch-friendly upload areas, drag-and-drop support on desktop, and mobile-optimised buttons mean you get the same experience whether you are on a MacBook, an iPad, or an Android phone. No app download is ever required — open your browser and go.
A user password must be entered to open and view the document. An owner password controls document permissions — printing, copying text, modifying content — without restricting viewing. Setting only an owner password means anyone can open the file but cannot perform restricted actions without the owner password. Setting a user password means the file cannot be opened at all without it. You can set both simultaneously for maximum control.
Complete Your PDF Workflow
Discover tools that work perfectly with Protect PDF
Before Protect PDF
Prepare your files with these tools
You're Here
Protect PDF
After Protect PDF
Continue your workflow with these tools
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Every upload and download uses HTTPS/TLS.
Files are wiped from our servers automatically.
Your file comes back exactly as expected.
No account and no email required, ever.
Ready to Protect PDF?
Free, private, and done in seconds — no account, no watermark, no catch.
Upload your file