Add a Password to PDF Online — Free
Lock your PDF with a password so only the people you choose can open it. Encrypted in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
Drag & drop your PDF here
or click to browse — files stay on your device
Files never leave your deviceHow to add a password to a PDF
- Drop your PDF into the box above, or click to pick one from your device.
- Type a password (at least 6 characters) and confirm it.
- Click Protect PDF — the file is encrypted on your device.
- Download the protected PDF and share it knowing it's locked.
About this free PDF protection tool
Sending a contract, a payslip, or a medical report by email? A password keeps it readable only by the person you trust. This tool encrypts your PDF with AES-256 — the same encryption standard used by banks and governments — so anyone who opens the file is asked for the password first. Everything happens locally in your browser, which is exactly what you want from a security tool: your document and your password are never sent to a server, so there's nothing to intercept or leak. The password fields are cleared from the page the moment the job finishes. One thing to take seriously: a forgotten password cannot be recovered, not by us and not by anyone, so store it somewhere safe and keep a copy of the original unprotected file in a secure place. Use a password of at least 6 characters, and longer is always better for documents that really matter.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I forget the password?
It cannot be recovered — keep a safe copy of your password, and keep a copy of the original unprotected PDF somewhere secure.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes, in a desktop PDF reader: open the file with your password and save or print a new unprotected copy. This tool does not offer password removal.
How strong is the protection?
The file is encrypted with AES-256, the same encryption standard used by banks and governments. Anyone opening it will need the password.