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Protect PDF

Protect PDF

Add a password to your PDF file.

•Set open password
•Restrict printing & copying
•256-bit AES encryption
•Works on all PDF viewers
+

Tap to add PDF

How to password-protect a PDF

1
Upload your PDF from your device, or pull it directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
2
Type the password you want to use. Pick something strong - a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
3
Re-enter the password to confirm. Type carefully - we have no way to recover a lost password later.
4
Click Protect PDF. The file is encrypted with industry-standard AES so only people with the password can open it.
5
Download your secured PDF, save it back to the cloud, or send it straight into another tool like Merge or Sign.

Why use our Protect PDF tool

AES encryption
Industry-standard AES encryption is applied to the entire document - the same standard used by banks and governments.
Password to open
Anyone trying to open the file in any PDF reader will be prompted for your password before they can see the contents.
Works everywhere
The protected PDF opens normally in Adobe Acrobat, browsers, mobile readers, and any standards-compliant PDF tool.
Same password for the batch
When batching, every PDF in the job is protected with the same password you set - quick to apply across many files.
Strong-password guidance
We nudge you toward stronger passwords - the longer and more varied, the harder to crack.
Batch processing
With a free account, protect up to 4 PDFs at once (200 MB total). Each becomes its own encrypted file.
Cloud import
Pull files from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive without a local download step.
Workflow Ready
Send the secured PDF straight into Merge, Sign, or any other tool without re-uploading.
Auto-deleted from servers
Files are processed over HTTPS and deleted from our servers shortly after the job finishes. We never store your password.
Free, no watermark
No watermark on the PDF, no signup needed for single jobs, no per-day cap on protections.

Frequently asked questions

What encryption standard is used?
Industry-standard AES encryption is applied across the whole document. It is the same standard trusted by banks and governments and is supported by every modern PDF reader.
How strong is the protection?
As strong as your password. AES itself is extremely hard to break, so the weak link is almost always a short or guessable password - a long passphrase makes the file effectively uncrackable.
What if I forget the password?
There is no recovery. PDF encryption is one-way by design - if the password is lost, the file cannot be opened. Always store the password somewhere safe before sharing.
What makes a good password?
Aim for at least 12 characters and mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. A long passphrase made of four random words is also strong and easier to remember.
Will the protected PDF open in any reader?
Yes. The output uses the standard PDF security format so it opens in Adobe Acrobat, Preview on Mac, mobile readers, and any browser, all with the password prompt.
Can I protect multiple PDFs at once?
Yes. Batch processing is available with a free account - up to 3 files at once, 100 MB total. The same password is applied to every file in the batch. Single file protection works without signing in (up to 80 MB).
Can I import from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive?
Yes. Use the cloud buttons on the upload screen to pull files in directly. No need to download them to your device first.
Is my password stored anywhere on your servers?
No. The password is used during processing to encrypt the file and is never saved on our side. We cannot reset, view, or recover it.
Are my files kept private?
Yes. Uploads happen over HTTPS, files are not shared, and they are deleted from our servers shortly after the job finishes.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The tool runs in any modern browser on phone, tablet, or desktop. There is no app to install.

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