PDF

Protect PDF

Lock a PDF with a password and optional copy/print restrictions — encryption applied right in your browser, never on a server.

Lock a PDF behind a password before you send it anywhere: viewers must enter the password to open the file, and you can additionally disable copying, editing and printing. Encryption is applied inside your browser — the password and the document both stay on your machine, so the key never travels over a network.

Allowed after unlock

How to use Protect PDF

  1. Upload the PDF you want to lock.
  2. Choose a strong password and confirm it — this is what recipients will need to open the file.
  3. Decide whether to also restrict copying, editing and printing for viewers.
  4. Apply the protection and download the locked PDF to share.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I forget the password?

There is no recovery path — processing happens locally, so no server holds a copy of your file or key to reset from. Store the password somewhere safe (a password manager is ideal) and share it only with people who should have access.

What exactly does the password protect?

It prevents the document from being opened without it, and the optional permissions limit casual copying, editing and printing by whoever opens it. Treat restrictions as a deterrent for everyday sharing rather than a substitute for keeping the file itself out of the wrong hands.

Does anyone see my password or my document?

No. Both are handled entirely on your device — the file is encrypted with your password locally and you download the result directly. Nothing is transmitted, logged or stored, which keeps the protection meaningful in the first place.

More free tools

More related tools for protect pdf.