Protect PDF
Protect PDF files with a password for free. Encrypt PDFs with AES and set print or copy permissions in your browser. Files and passwords stay local.
Upload PDF File
About This Tool
Encrypt PDF adds password protection and encryption to your PDF documents. Set user passwords to prevent opening, and owner passwords to control permissions like printing and copying.
Choose from different encryption levels (128-bit or 256-bit AES) for varying security needs.
All encryption happens in your browser, ensuring your passwords and documents remain private.
Choose a long passphrase of several unrelated words rather than a short password, and select 256-bit AES when the recipient uses a current PDF reader. Share the password through a different channel than the file, for example by phone or text message rather than in the same email. If you only want to stop printing or copying while keeping the file easy to open, set an owner password with restricted permissions. Store the password somewhere safe, as it cannot be recovered.
A password protection tool that requires uploading the unprotected file has already exposed the very document you wanted to secure. TokPDF encrypts in your browser with WebAssembly, so neither the PDF nor the password is ever transmitted to a server. Encryption is applied in moments and works the same on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, or a phone browser.
How to Use
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF file or click to select.
Set Passwords
Enter user password and/or owner password. Configure permissions.
Encrypt and Download
Click Encrypt to secure your PDF and download.
Use Cases
Confidential Documents
Protect sensitive business documents.
Personal Files
Secure personal documents like tax returns.
Controlled Distribution
Limit what recipients can do with documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between user and owner passwords?
User password prevents opening; owner password controls permissions.
What encryption is used?
128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption options are available.
Can I set permissions without a user password?
Yes, you can set an owner password only to control permissions.
How do I password protect a PDF for free?
Load the PDF into Protect PDF, enter a password that will be required to open it, choose the encryption level, and download the protected copy. Anyone opening the file will be asked for that password in their PDF reader.
How do I email a password-protected PDF safely?
Attach the protected file to your email, then send the password separately, such as by text message or a phone call. If someone intercepts the email, they still cannot open the document without the password.
Can I password protect a PDF on a Mac or iPhone?
Yes. Open tokpdf.com in Safari or any modern browser, load the PDF, and set the password. Encryption runs in the browser, so it works the same on macOS and iOS without installing extra software, and the protected file saves to your device.
What happens if I forget the password?
TokPDF does not store your password and cannot recover it, and strong AES encryption is designed to resist guessing. Keep an unprotected original in a secure place, or save the password in a password manager before sending the file.