Choose How Readers Open and Use Your PDF
Add password protection to one PDF and choose whether readers may copy, print or edit its contents. The opening password controls access to the document; the owner password manages permission restrictions. The tool creates a new protected file.
How to Protect a PDF
Open an unprotected PDF
Select one PDF. If it is already password protected, unlock it first with the correct password.
Set passwords and permissions
Enter an opening password, an owner password, or both. Choose whether copying, printing and editing are allowed.
Protect and download
Click “Protect PDF” and download the newly encrypted file.
Protect a PDF with a Password: practical uses and limits
Add password protection to a PDF before sharing a protected copy. Keep the password separately and confirm that the downloaded document opens as expected. A password does not remove sensitive content from the pages.
Questions About PDF Password Protection
Which encryption is used?
The output PDF uses AES-256 encryption. The tool applies the passwords and permissions chosen in the workspace.
What is the difference between the two passwords?
The opening password is needed to read the document. The owner password controls permission restrictions. If the owner field is empty, the opening password is used for it.
Can I leave the opening password empty?
Yes, if you enter an owner password. The file can then open without a password, while supported readers apply the permission settings. At least one password field must be filled.
Which actions can I allow or restrict?
You can choose copying text and images, printing, and editing or adding and removing pages. Permission enforcement depends on the PDF reader; use an opening password when access to the contents must require a password.
Can I change protection on an encrypted source?
This page has no old-password input. First unlock the source with its correct password, then protect the unlocked copy with the new settings.
Does the strength indicator enforce a minimum password length?
No. It is an informational display based on the opening password’s length and character types. The submission check requires an opening or owner password.
Does protection change my original file?
No. Processing is local and produces a new protected PDF for download. The original file remains unchanged.
Is this PDF tool completely free?
Yes. Processing and downloading results are completely free. Keep an original copy for future work.
