Password Protect PDF Files Online for Free

Add password protection to PDF files in seconds with local encryption and permission controls. No uploads during processing.

or drop your PDF here

Files stay on your device. No uploads, no storage.

Upload your PDF, set password and permissions, then download a protected file in one workflow.

  • Password protect PDF online for free
  • Protect PDF from editing and copying
  • No Adobe Acrobat required

Protect PDF

Password protection
Permissions
Local processing

Add a PDF, set password and permissions, then download the protected file instantly.

Supported format: PDF

Why use this password protect PDF tool

Protect files quickly

Add PDF password protection in a simple upload-protect-download flow.

Permission controls

Choose whether printing, copying, and editing should be allowed in supported readers.

Local processing

Protection runs in your browser with no uploads during processing.

Protect workflow

How to password protect a PDF

  1. Upload your PDF file.
  2. Enter and confirm a password.
  3. Set permission controls for print, copy, and edit.
  4. Click Protect PDF and download your secured file.

Common password protect PDF searches we cover

Protect PDF with password

Add encryption and access control to your PDF in one step.

Password protect PDF for free

Protect PDF files online for free with no account required for basic usage.

Protect PDF from editing

Use permission flags to limit editing and copying in supported viewers.

Password protect PDF without Adobe

Use this browser workflow on Mac, Windows, iPhone, or Android.

After protection, you can unlock when authorized, compress for sharing, or merge secured files.

Protect PDF FAQs

Do you upload or store my PDF when I password protect it?

No. The protection process runs locally in your browser, so your PDF stays on your device.

Is this password protect PDF tool free?

Yes. You can password protect PDF files online for free with no account required for basic usage.

How do I password protect a PDF file?

Upload your PDF, set and confirm a password, choose permission settings, then click Protect PDF.

Can I protect a PDF from editing and copying?

Yes. You can set permission flags for printing, copying, and editing when creating the protected file.

Can PDF password protection block screenshots?

No. Passwords and permissions secure file access and document actions, but they cannot fully prevent screenshots.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes. If you know the password, you can use an unlock workflow to create an unprotected copy.

Can I password protect a PDF without Adobe Acrobat?

Yes. This tool works in your browser, so you do not need to install Adobe Acrobat.

Does this tool work on Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android?

Yes. You can protect PDFs on desktop and mobile browsers that support the required web features.

Why do permissions behave differently in some PDF readers?

Most readers respect permission flags, but behavior can vary by PDF app and viewer implementation.

Related reading

Rate this tool ***** 4.6 / 5 150,545 votes