Protect a PDF with a password

Add an opening password to your PDF document. This encryption (40-bit RC4, compatible with most PDF readers) offers basic protection against accidental opening of the file — it is not professional-grade encryption and should not be used for highly sensitive data.

Example:

How it works

Before sending a contract, a payslip, or a statement by email, it's wise to lock the file with a password so it won't open if the message ends up in the wrong inbox. Import your PDF, choose a password, then download the protected file: the recipient will need to enter this password (sent through another channel, for example by SMS) to open the document.

Is this level of protection sufficient for an important confidential document?

To be honest: this encryption (40-bit RC4) is a basic protection, mainly a deterrent against accidental opening or an occasional snooper. It's not unbreakable encryption. For a genuinely sensitive document, use a tool that offers strong AES-256 encryption instead.

Can the password be removed easily?

With the correct password, yes: our "unprotect a PDF" tool lets you remove the protection in a few seconds once the password is known.

100% local processing: the encryption is performed in your browser via our WebAssembly module — neither the file nor the password is ever sent to a server.