Tools / Protect PDF
Protect PDF
Add a password and restrict printing or copying with AES-256 encryption.
Read the step-by-step guide →Use Protect PDF for everyday work
This page is built for the practical version of the task: choose your file, adjust the options, and download the result. No desktop install is required, and basic use does not require an account.
Simple by design
- No sign-up needed for basic use
- Files deleted automatically within 2 hours
- Clear file-size and daily limits
- Works in modern mobile and desktop browsers
About this tool
Add a password before you email a PDF. The file is encrypted with AES-256, the algorithm ISO 32000-2 still recommends, and you decide whether the reader may print or copy text.
Passwords protect the file in transit and on other people’s devices. Anyone with the user password can still take screenshots, so treat this as a lock rather than a guarantee.
How it works
- Upload the PDF you want to protect.
- Enter a password of at least 4 characters and set the permissions.
- Download the encrypted PDF — it will ask for the password when opened.
Frequently asked questions
What encryption is used?
AES-256 (PDF 2.0, revision 6). It is the strongest option still recommended and works in modern readers and browsers.
I lost the password — can it be recovered?
No. The password is never stored, and AES-256 cannot be brute-forced in practice.
Why is printing blocked by default?
Restricting printing is the usual reason to protect a document. Tick “Allow printing” if you want it enabled.