Protect PDF
PDF password protection is not available yet. Use this page to understand safer alternatives while client-side encryption is being evaluated.
PDF password protection is disabled on this page until encryption support is verified.
Coming soon. This page does not accept or process PDFs.
Coming Soon
We're evaluating PDF encryption that can be verified in the browser. We won't accept files on this page until the output can actually be password protected.
Why the wait? The most popular browser PDF library (pdf-lib) does not support encryption. We're evaluating alternatives before enabling password-protected PDF output.
Meanwhile, try these alternatives:
- •Adobe Acrobat: Paid PDF editor with encryption support
- •LibreOffice: Free desktop app with PDF export and password
- •macOS Preview: File, Export as PDF, Encrypt
Two Types of PDF Passwords (Most People Only Know One)
When most people say "password-protect a PDF," they mean stopping someone from opening it. But PDFs actually support two completely different password types, and they do very different things.
| Password Type | What It Controls | Can They View the PDF? | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Password | Whether the file opens at all | No, completely locked | High when modern AES and a strong password are used |
| Permissions Password | What viewers can do (print, copy, edit) | Yes, can read, can't act | Medium (can be removed by tools) |
What this means for you: If the document is confidential, use an open password. Permissions restrictions can be useful for preview documents, but they are easier to remove than an open password.
How to Choose a Strong PDF Password
A weak password makes encryption meaningless. Here's what actually matters:
Use 12+ characters mixing letters, numbers, and symbols
A longer mixed-character password is much harder to guess than a short or common one. "T4x-R3turn_2025!" is stronger than a single dictionary word.
Send the password separately from the file
Email the PDF, then text or call with the password. If someone intercepts the email, they still can't open the file.
Use "password", "123456", or the recipient's name
These are the first things anyone would guess. Dictionary attacks crack common passwords in seconds.
Put the password in the same email as the PDF
"Please find attached the contract. Password is contract123.", you've just made the encryption worthless.
Need a strong password? Use our Password Generator to create one.
When You Should (and Shouldn't) Encrypt PDFs
Protect when...
- Emailing financial data (payslips, tax returns, bank statements)
- Sharing contracts before signing
- Storing sensitive docs in shared cloud folders
- Sending HR documents to employees
- Distributing preview copies you don't want printed/copied
Skip encryption when...
- The document is already public (marketing brochures, menus)
- Recipients will need to print or fill in the form
- The PDF will be posted on a website for download
- You're archiving internally and everyone has access anyway
- The password will be more hassle than the content is worth
PDF Encryption vs Other Security Methods
| Method | Protects Against | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| PDF open password | Unauthorised viewing | Useless if password is shared or weak |
| PDF permissions password | Printing, copying, editing | Can be removed with freely available tools |
| Watermark | Misuse of document (visual deterrent) | Doesn't prevent access or copying |
| ZIP with password | Unauthorised extraction | Legacy ZIP encryption can be weak; check the method used |
| Encrypted email (PGP/S/MIME) | Interception during transit | Doesn't protect the file at rest |
Safer pattern for sensitive documents: Use a PDF open password, then send the password through a separate channel. Add a watermark if the document might be forwarded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PDF encryption not available yet?
What should I use in the meantime?
Will this tool be free when it launches?
What's the difference between an open password and a permissions password?
Is PDF password protection actually secure?
Can I protect a PDF for free on macOS?
Can I protect a PDF for free on Windows?
Will my data be safe when this tool launches?
Can I remove protection from a PDF I own?
Should I encrypt PDFs before emailing?
Can I watermark instead of encrypting?
What encryption standard should I look for?
Results are for general informational purposes only and should be checked before use. They are not professional advice. See our Disclaimer and Terms of Service.