Protect PDF
Password-protect a PDF with strong AES-256 encryption, right in your browser. Set permissions, download — no upload.
Overview
Protect PDF adds strong AES-256 password encryption to a PDF entirely in your browser. Set a password (with a live strength meter and confirmation) and optionally restrict printing, copying, or editing, then download the encrypted file. Encryption runs locally using qpdf compiled to WebAssembly, so your document and your password never leave your device — unlike online tools that upload your sensitive files to a server.
Key Features
- AES-256 encryption
- Password + confirm with a strength meter
- Restrict printing, copying, and editing
- Runs entirely in your browser
- No upload — fully private
Common Use Cases
- Securing Financial Documents — Lock statements, tax forms, or payslips with a password before emailing or storing them.
- Confidential Contracts — Encrypt a contract so only recipients with the password can open it.
- Restricting Reuse — Block copying and editing on a document you share so its content can't easily be lifted.
- Protecting Personal Records — Add a password to medical records, IDs, or other personal PDFs kept on shared devices.
- Print-Only Distribution — Allow printing but block editing and copying for forms you distribute.
How It Works
1
Open your PDF
Drop the PDF you want to secure.
2
Set a password
Choose a strong password and, optionally, restrict printing, copying, or editing.
3
Download the protected PDF
Encrypt it with AES-256 and download — nothing is uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What encryption is used?
AES-256, the strongest standard PDF encryption. Anyone opening the file will need the password you set.
Is the encryption done in my browser?
Yes. Encryption runs locally with qpdf compiled to WebAssembly, so neither your PDF nor your password is ever uploaded to a server.
What do the permission options do?
They control what someone can do after opening the file with the password — you can allow or block printing, copying text, and editing. These are enforced by the PDF's encryption.
What if I forget the password?
There's no way to recover it — the encryption is strong by design. Store your password safely, because a protected PDF cannot be opened without it.
Can I protect an already-encrypted PDF?
Remove the existing password first with the Unlock PDF tool, then protect it again with a new password.
