Keep sensitive PDFs private
Salary slips, bank statements, medical reports and contracts often travel by email or messaging apps, where they can be forwarded or opened on shared devices. A password makes the file unreadable to anyone who doesn't know it.
This tool encrypts your PDF with AES-256 — the same standard used by Adobe Acrobat for its strongest protection. You can also restrict printing, copying text and editing. Encryption happens in your browser, so neither the document nor the password is ever sent anywhere, and the result is checked to make sure it really opens only with your password.
How to password-protect a PDF
- 1
Choose the PDF
Select the document you want to protect.
- 2
Set a password
Type it twice. A strength meter helps you pick a good one.
- 3
Choose permissions
Untick printing, copying or editing if you want to restrict them.
- 4
Protect and download
Save the encrypted PDF and share the password separately.
Key features
AES-256 encryption
Strong, modern encryption supported by all current PDF readers.
Permission controls
Allow or block printing, copying and editing.
Verified output
The file is re-opened with your password before download to confirm it's locked.
Private
Your document and password stay on your device.
Common uses
- Financial documents: Email statements or tax forms without exposing them if the email is forwarded.
- HR and payroll: Send payslips that only the employee can open.
- Client reports: Share confidential work with a password given over the phone.
Tips and good to know
- Share the password through a different channel than the file — for example, send the PDF by email and the password by text message.
- There's no way to recover a forgotten password, so keep it somewhere safe.
- Print and copy restrictions are respected by Acrobat, Chrome, Edge and most readers, but not every app honours them. The open password is what truly protects the content.
- To remove the password later, use Unlock PDF with the password.