Is it safe to password protect my PDF here?

Absolutely. We use HTTPS encryption for data transmission, and your files are processed automatically without being permanently stored. They are deleted immediately after you download your protected file.

Can I prevent users from printing the PDF?

Yes! Our tool allows you to set specific permissions. You can uncheck the 'Allow Printing' option to restrict users from printing the document.

What encryption standard is used?

We use industry-standard AES encryption (128-bit or 256-bit dependent on compatibility) which is virtually uncrackable with current technology.

Does this work on Mac and Mobile?

Yes, Protect PDF is a web-based tool that works on all operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Is there a file size limit?

We support files up to 50MB to ensure fast processing for all users on our free tier.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes, if you know the password, you can remove it using any standard PDF editor or our 'Unlock PDF' tool.

Protect PDF - Add Password & Secure Files Online

How to Password Protect PDF Files Online

Upload Your PDF

Click the "Select PDF File" button or drag and drop your document into the secure upload zone above.

Set Custom Password

Enter a strong password. Optionally, disable printing or copying permissions for added security.

Encrypt & Download

Click "Protect PDF" to apply AES encryption. Your file is processed instantly and ready for download.

What is Protect PDF?

Protect PDF is a powerful, free online utility designed to secure your Portable Document Format (PDF) files with industry-standard encryption. In today's digital age, sharing sensitive information over the internet carries risks. Our tool acts as a digital vault, allowing you to lock your documents with a unique password before sharing them via email, cloud storage, or messaging apps.

Unlike basic PDF readers that only view files, our tool modifies the internal structure of the PDF to enforce security protocols. We utilize AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), the same level of security used by banks and government agencies, to ensure that brute-forcing your password is virtually impossible. Whether you are protecting financial statements, legal contracts, or personal records, Protect PDF ensures that only authorized individuals with the correct password can view the content.

Key Features of Our PDF Encrypter

🛡️

Military-Grade Encryption

We implement strong encryption algorithms to lock your files. Without the password, the file data remains an unreadable scramble of code.

🔒

Permission Control

Go beyond simple passwords. You can restrict specific actions like printing or copying text from the document, giving you total control over how your data is used.

⚡

Instant Speed

No queues, no waiting. Our optimized backend processes files in milliseconds, even for larger documents.

🌐

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Works seamlessly on Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iPhone, and Linux.

Why You Should Password Protect Your PDFs

Prevent Unauthorized Access: Stop prying eyes from reading confidential data.
GDPR & HIPAA Compliance: Encrypting files containing personal data is often a legal requirement for businesses.
Intellectual Property Security: Prevent content theft by disabling the "Copy Text" function.
Secure Email Attachments: Email is not always secure. Attaching a password-protected PDF ensures safety even if the email is intercepted.

Common Use Cases

Personal Finance

Protect bank statements, tax returns, and loan applications before emailing them to accountants.

Legal Documents

Secure NDAs, contracts, and court documents. Restrict printing to ensure physical copies aren't left lying around.

Creative Work

Send drafts of eBooks or designs to clients while preventing them from copying your text or ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How secure is the encryption used by this tool?

We use 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption standards, depending on the complexity of your password and file version. This is the same standard used by governments and financial institutions, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access your data without the correct password.

Do you store my files on your servers?

No. Your privacy is our top priority. Files are uploaded via a secure HTTPS connection, processed in memory or temporary storage, and effectively deleted from our servers immediately after the download link is generated. We do not keep logs or backups of your documents.

What does "Disable Printing" do?

When you uncheck "Allow Printing", the tool adds a permission flag to the PDF metadata. Compliant PDF viewers (like Adobe Acrobat, Chrome, Preview) will grey out the "Print" button, preventing the user from generating a physical copy of the document.

Can I password protect PDF on mobile?

Yes! Our tool is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. Whether you are using an iPhone (iOS) or an Android device, simply open your browser, upload your file, and protect it instantly.

Is there a limit on file size?

Our free tool typically handles files up to 50MB. This covers most documents, eBooks, and scanned papers. For larger files, we recommend compressing the PDF first using our specific compression tool.

What if I forget the password?

Unlike simple website logins, PDF encryption is mathematical. If you forget the password, the file cannot be opened by us or anyone else. We strongly recommend using a password manager or remembering your password carefully.

Is this tool really free?

Yes, "Protect PDF" is completely free to use. You don't need to create an account, enter credit card details, or install any software. We are supported by minimal, non-intrusive advertising to keep the server running.

Protect PDF

Select PDF file