Add a password to a PDF
Add a password to any PDF in your browser. Pick the permissions you want to restrict.
Files are processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.
How it works
- 1
Upload PDF
Drop the PDF you want to protect.
- 2
Set a password
Pick a strong password and any restrictions (print, copy, modify).
- 3
Download
Download the protected PDF.
Frequently asked questions
What encryption is used?
AES-256, the modern PDF standard.
Can permissions stop a determined attacker?
Restrictions are advisory and can be bypassed by some tools. For real confidentiality, use a strong open password.
File uploaded?
No — encryption runs in your browser.
Lose my password?
We can't recover it. Save it somewhere safe.
Will Adobe Reader open it?
Yes, AES-256 protected PDFs open in all modern readers.
Related tools
Unlock PDF
Remove the password from PDFs you own.
Sign PDF
Add your signature to any PDF.
Redact PDF
Truly remove sensitive content from PDFs.
Embed this tool
Let your visitors use Protect PDF without leaving your site. Paste the snippet below into any HTML page. Files stay private — everything runs in the visitor's browser.
<iframe
src="https://pdfwox.com/embed/protect-pdf"
width="100%"
height="600"
style="border:none;border-radius:8px"
title="protect-pdf tool"
allow="downloads"
loading="lazy"
></iframe>
<script>
window.addEventListener('message',function(e){
if(e.data&&e.data.type==='privpdf-resize'){
var f=document.querySelector('iframe[src="https://pdfwox.com/embed/protect-pdf"]');
if(f)f.style.height=e.data.height+'px';
}
});
</script>The embed runs entirely in the visitor's browser — no files are uploaded. The iframe resizes automatically to fit its content via postMessage.
Deeper guide