Protect PDF with Password
Add AES-256 password protection to your PDF — or remove an existing password. Processed securely on the server and never stored.
About This Tool
Lock or unlock any PDF in seconds
Whether you need to share a sensitive document safely or open a PDF you've already got the password for, this tool handles both in one place.
In Add Password mode, set a user password (required to open) and an optional owner password (controls print/edit permissions). In Remove Password mode, enter the existing password to produce an unlocked copy. Need to reduce file size first? Try Compress PDF before protecting.
Add Password
Encrypt your PDF with AES-256 and an optional owner password for permission control.
Remove Password
Unlock a PDF you own by entering the existing password to get an unencrypted copy.
AES-256 Encryption
Industry-standard encryption enforced by Adobe Acrobat, Chrome, and all modern readers.
No File Limits
Protect or unlock PDFs of any size, completely free.
Quick Start
How to Password Protect a PDF
Upload PDF
Drop your PDF or click 'Select PDF to Protect'. The file is sent securely to the server.
Choose Mode
Select 'Add Password' to encrypt or 'Remove Password' to unlock from the Protect tab.
Enter Password
Type your user password (and optional owner password). For removal, enter the existing password.
Apply & Download
Click the action button. Your protected or unlocked PDF downloads instantly. Nothing is stored.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PDF file stored on your server?
No. Your file is processed on the server and deleted immediately after the result is returned. Nothing is stored or logged.
What encryption standard is used?
AES-256 — the strongest encryption level in the PDF specification, enforced by Acrobat, Chrome, and all modern readers.
What is the difference between a user password and an owner password?
The user password is required to open the PDF. The owner password controls permissions like printing and editing. If you only set a user password, it's used for both.
Can I remove a password I don't know?
No. You must know the existing password to remove it. This tool does not crack or bypass passwords.
Is there a file size limit?
No hard file size limit. Protect or unlock PDFs of any size — very large files may take a few extra seconds.
Can I protect a scanned PDF?
Yes. Any valid PDF — scanned, form-based, or regular — can be password-protected with this tool.