Protect PDF
About PDF Protection
This tool adds password protection and permission restrictions to your PDF document:
- User Password: Required to open the document
- Owner Password: Required to change permissions
- Both: Set different passwords for users and owners
Encryption Levels:
- AES 256-bit: Strongest encryption, recommended for most use cases
- AES 256-bit (Acrobat X+): AES 256 with Acrobat X and later compatibility
- RC4 128-bit: Legacy encryption for older PDF reader compatibility
Permission Settings:
- Printing: Control if and how users can print
- Editing: Allow or prevent document modifications
- Copying: Control whether content can be copied
- Forms: Control form filling and submission
- Annotations: Allow or prevent comments
- Accessibility: Control screen reader access
- Document Assembly: Control page manipulation
Note: PDF security is not unbreakable. It should not be relied upon for highly sensitive information.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a strong, unique password
- Disable unnecessary permissions for better security
- Keep a backup of your original unprotected file
- Test the protected PDF before distribution
- For critical documents, consider additional security measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Upload your PDF to this tool, choose a user password or owner password (or both), select your encryption level, and click Protect PDF. The process runs in your browser with no software installation required.
This tool supports AES 256-bit encryption (the strongest available), AES 256-bit for Acrobat X and later, and RC4 128-bit for legacy compatibility with older PDF readers.
Yes, your files are processed securely and automatically deleted within 24 hours for free accounts, or 7 days for paid subscribers. The encryption is applied server-side and no one else can access your uploaded documents.
Processed on ISO 27001-certified UK servers.
Files are encrypted in transit and automatically deleted.
Learn more