Learn how to protect your sensitive information inside PDF files by setting a password or limiting specific options like disabling printing.
How to password protect a PDF file
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1 Upload
Upload PDF file to protect with a password using 256-bit AES encryption. -
2 Start processing
Enter a strong password to lock your PDF document. Set viewing and editing permissions if required. -
3 Download
Click Protect PDF button, wait a few seconds, and your secured files will be ready to download.
Protect PDF with password for free
Sometimes it's necessary to limit access to a PDF for most users and allow only those who know the password. With our PDF Protector, you can restrict PDF viewing, printing, and editing.
Uncompromised encryption
We provide a reliable PDF encryption service that ensures the highest security level. Encrypt your PDF files using 256-bit AES encryption to prevent anyone opening your PDFs without a password. There is no way to brute-force or reverse engineer the password.
Top security is our mission
We are concerned about the privacy and security of our users' files, especially when we are talking about file protection. Therefore, we make sure that users set strong passwords, and we automatically delete files after each conversion.
Easy to use every day
We build tools for everyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, manager, or software engineer - everyone can use our software easily. We invest a lot to provide the best user experiences to all of you.
Lock PDF using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android
FreePDFConvert is online software, so all main platforms are supported. Locking PDF has never been easier and more accessible than it is now with our free online PDF Converter.
Plenty of PDF tools
We provide much more online PDF tools: PDF to Word, PDF to Excel, file compressor, page remover, and many other tools to help in your everyday work.
How do I password protect a PDF for free?
Upload your PDF using the file selector above, enter the password you want to use, and download your protected file in seconds. No Adobe Acrobat or other software required.
Can the password be removed later?
Yes, as long as you know the password. Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove protection from a PDF when you no longer need it.
What happens if I forget my PDF password?
The password is applied to the file itself and we do not keep a copy, so store it somewhere safe. Without the password, the document cannot be opened.
Is it safe to protect confidential PDFs online?
Yes. All transfers use 256-bit SSL encryption, and uploaded files are automatically deleted from our servers shortly after processing. Neither your documents nor your passwords are shared with third parties.
PDF conversion guides
Secure PDFs with passwords via REST-API
Add password protection and encryption to PDF files programmatically using ConvertAPI.