THE WORKFLOW
How to password protect a PDF
- Open Password protect and choose your PDF. Enter a viewing password of at least seven characters.
- Set an owner password if needed; if you leave it blank, the tool uses the viewing password.
- Choose Protect & download, then open the saved copy in a compatible PDF reader and test the viewing password.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
Choose the workflow for your document
Require a password when opening a PDF
Set the viewing password and test the exported file in a fresh reader session. Testing matters because a reader that already has a document open may not show the same prompt again.
Keep an editable source before encrypting
Retain the source and your password in an appropriate private location. A protected copy is convenient for distribution, while the retained source lets you make future edits without relying on password recovery.
BEFORE YOU SHARE
What to check in the result
Choose a password you can retain and share with the intended recipient through a suitable separate channel. The tool does not store a recovery password. Encryption does not remove sensitive content, and changing an existing digitally signed file may affect its signature validity.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about this PDF task
Is my PDF or password uploaded for encryption?
The encryption runs locally in the browser. The page downloads its processing code, but this operation does not send the PDF or password to a processing server.
Can the tool recover a forgotten password?
No. There is no password-recovery service. Keep the original and retain the password appropriately.
Can I remove the password later?
Use Unlock with password when you know the current password, then test the exported unlocked copy.