Protect a PDF
Locked with a password only you choose.
Why use Protect PDF?
Some documents shouldn't be openable by just anyone who gets hold of the file - contracts, financial statements, personal records. This tool encrypts a PDF with a password of your choosing, so it stays unreadable to anyone who doesn't have it.
Key Features
Password Never Stored
Used only in memory to encrypt the file, then discarded.
Standard PDF Encryption
Works with the password prompt in any PDF reader, no special software needed to open it.
Reversible Anytime
Pair with Unlock PDF and the same password to remove protection later.
Content Untouched
Only access is restricted - the document's pages, layout, and content stay exactly as they were.
Common Uses for Protect PDF
Password-protecting a PDF is useful anywhere a document needs to stay private in transit or in storage.
Sharing Sensitive Documents
Password-protect a contract, financial statement, or personal record before emailing or uploading it.
Client and Customer Files
Lock a document containing someone else's personal or financial information before sending it to them.
Protecting Financial Records
Add a password to bank statements, tax documents, or invoices before storing them on a shared drive.
Restricting Access on Shared Devices
Keep a document unreadable to anyone else using a shared computer or shared cloud folder.
Choose a password you'll remember or store securely - there's no way to recover a protected PDF if the password is lost.
How to Password-Protect a PDF
Upload Your PDF
Select the PDF you want to lock with a password.
Choose a Password
Enter the password you want to encrypt the file with - used only in memory, never stored.
File Is Encrypted
The PDF is encrypted with standard PDF password protection, readable by any PDF reader that prompts for the password.
Download Your Protected PDF
Download the locked file, ready to share or store - it opens only with the password you set.
Tip: keep the password somewhere safe. If it's lost, the protected PDF can't be opened or recovered.
Need to remove a password from a PDF instead? Unlock PDF reverses this, if you know the current password.
Security & Privacy
Encrypted connection. When served over HTTPS, all data traveling between your browser and the server is encrypted in transit using standard TLS encryption.
Automatic file deletion. Uploaded files are deleted immediately after conversion completes; they are never kept in long-term storage.
No data sharing. Your files and extracted data are never shared with third parties or sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can open the protected PDF?
Only someone who has the password you set - it's required to open the file in any PDF reader.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes - use the Unlock PDF tool with the same password to get back an unprotected copy.
What happens if I forget the password?
The PDF can't be opened or recovered without it - there's no backdoor or reset, so store the password somewhere safe.
What kind of encryption is used?
Standard PDF password encryption, the same protection built into the PDF format and supported by any compliant PDF reader.
Can I protect multiple PDFs at once?
No - Protect PDF handles one document at a time.
Is my password stored anywhere?
No - it's used only in memory to encrypt the file and is never saved.
Is my data secure?
Files are processed and deleted immediately after conversion. Nothing is stored long-term.
Is it free?
Yes, there's no cost and no signup required.