Password-Protect a PDF — Free, Local
Create a PDF copy that requests a password when opened. Because access behavior also depends on the recipient's viewer, test the saved file in the software that will actually be used.
- Runs in your browser
- Nothing is uploaded
- No signup; device limits apply
Required to open the saved file.
How to use this tool
Choose a PDF and enter a nonempty password. Leading and trailing spaces are removed, and the same value is used for the user and owner passwords; no separate recovery credential is generated automatically.
Results and examples
Test opening the output without a password and with the correct one. This tool has no forgotten-password recovery, so retain the original and manage the password separately from the file distribution.
Worked example
Set a password on a distribution copy, close it and reopen it to confirm an opening prompt appears. Test the same password in the recipient’s actual PDF viewer, then deliver the file and password through separate channels.
Limitations
- There is no forgotten-password recovery feature.
- An opening password does not guarantee recipients cannot photograph or recreate the content.
Fields
| Field | Guidance and constraints |
|---|---|
| User password | Required to open the saved file. |
Data handling
Processing stays in the current browser tab; the site does not upload tool input for the calculation itself.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is the owner password different?
The implementation sets user and owner passwords to the same entered value.
Does this merely rename the file?
No. It saves through an encryption-capable PDF library.
Related tools
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