Protect PDF
Encrypt a PDF with a password (AES-256).
Drop your files here
or drop files here
Protect PDF Files with a Password — Free & Secure
Our free tool lets you protect PDF documents with a password in seconds. Add a password to a PDF to encrypt it, so only people who know the password can open, read or print the file. Nothing to install and no sign-up — just upload, set a password and lock your PDF.
Everything you need to protect a PDF
A free online way to password protect a PDF and keep sensitive files private.
Password protect any PDF
Set a strong open password so only the right people can view your PDF.
Strong encryption
Protect PDF files with encryption that scrambles the contents until the password is entered.
Free, no limits
Password protect a PDF free, with no subscription, watermark or hidden fees.
Works in your browser
An online tool to protect PDF files on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.
Millions protect their PDFs with us
Individuals, lawyers and businesses use our tool to password protect a PDF and keep confidential documents safe.
60M+
PDFs protected with a password
4.8/5
Average rating from our users
190+
Countries using the tool
256-bit
Encryption strength
How to Password Protect a PDF
Add a password to a PDF online in three simple steps — no account needed.
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop the PDF you want to protect, or browse to select a file.
Set a password
Type the password you want to add to the PDF, then confirm it.
Download your locked PDF
Save the password-protected PDF — it will ask for the password every time it opens.
Why Choose Our Free Protect PDF Tool
See how our online tool to password protect a PDF compares with desktop software.
Our tool | Other tools | |
|---|---|---|
| Password protect a PDF free | Paid | |
| Works online, no install | ||
| No email or sign-up | ||
| Strong PDF encryption | Limited | |
| Add a password on any device | Desktop only | |
| Files deleted after processing |
Lock a PDF Before You Share Anything Sensitive
Contracts, statements and medical records shouldn't be readable by just anyone. Lock a PDF with a password before you email or upload it, so a forwarded file or a shared inbox never exposes your data.
What people say about our protect PDF tool
“I password protect a PDF before sending any client contract now. It is free, the encryption is strong and it takes seconds.”
Rachel Adams
Solicitor
“Needed to lock a PDF of payroll records before emailing it. Adding a password was simple and the file is properly secured.”
Kevin Park
HR Manager