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PDF Password Protector

Add password protection and AES-256 encryption to PDF files. Set permissions for printing and copying — 100% in your browser.

100% Client-Side — files never leave your device

What is PDF Password Protector?

PDF Password Protector is a free online tool that adds encryption and password protection to PDF documents. Set a user password (required to open the file) and an optional owner password (to change permissions). Control whether viewers can print, copy text, edit, or fill forms. Uses AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by banks and governments. Everything runs in your browser — your PDF and passwords never leave your device.

How to Use PDF Password Protector

  1. 1

    Upload your PDF

    Click the upload area or drag and drop a PDF file you want to protect.

  2. 2

    Set passwords

    Enter a user password (required to open) and optionally an owner password (to change permissions later).

  3. 3

    Configure permissions

    Choose what viewers can do: allow or block printing, copying text, editing, and form filling.

  4. 4

    Protect

    Click Protect PDF. The tool encrypts the file with AES-256 encryption in your browser.

  5. 5

    Download

    Download the password-protected PDF. Anyone who opens it will need the user password.

Features

  • AES-256 encryption (military-grade)
  • Separate user and owner passwords
  • Control print permissions
  • Control copy/edit permissions
  • Password strength indicator
  • Form filling permission control
  • 100% client-side — passwords never transmitted
  • No signup, no limits, completely free

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Frequently Asked Questions

How secure is AES-256 encryption?+
AES-256 is the same encryption standard used by banks, governments, and military. It is virtually unbreakable with current technology.
What is the difference between user and owner password?+
User password is needed to open the PDF. Owner password is needed to change permissions or remove protection. If only user password is set, it doubles as both.
Can I restrict printing but allow viewing?+
Yes. Uncheck "Allow Printing" in the permissions. Viewers can open and read the PDF but cannot print it.
Are my passwords stored anywhere?+
No. Everything runs locally in your browser. Your passwords are never transmitted to any server.
Can I protect a PDF that is already encrypted?+
No. You need to remove existing protection first using our PDF Unlocker tool, then re-encrypt with new settings.
What happens if I forget the password?+
There is no way to recover a lost password. AES-256 encryption is irreversible without the original password. Keep your password safe.
Does protection change the PDF content?+
No. Encryption only adds a security layer. All pages, images, text, and links are preserved exactly as they are.
Is there a file size limit?+
No. Since everything runs in your browser, the only limit is your device memory. Large files may take a few seconds longer to encrypt.