Password-Protect a PDF
Add a password to your PDF so it cannot be opened without the secret you choose. This is the standard way to restrict access to contracts, statements, and personal records before emailing or archiving them. Unlike cloud tools, the encryption runs entirely inside your browser — your password and your document are never transmitted to a server, which removes the weakest link in most online protection workflows.
Choose files or drag & drop here
.pdf · single file
Processed locally in your browser — your files never leave your device.
How to encrypt PDF
- Upload the PDF you want to protect.
- Type a strong password — use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Click "Encrypt PDF" and download the protected document.
Verified behavior and practical limits
Last tested:
How it processes your file
The browser runs qpdf locally and writes a new PDF protected with AES-256. The document and password are not uploaded.
Verified behavior
- The downloaded PDF requires the chosen password when opened.
- AES-256 encryption is applied with the same secret as user and owner password.
- The source file on your device remains unchanged.
Important limits
- 1PDF cannot recover a forgotten password; keep it in a trusted password manager.
- Encryption cannot prevent screenshots, copying, or resharing by someone who knows the password.
Reproducible example workflow
- Input
- An unlocked statement.pdf and a strong password you can store safely.
- Action
- Enter the password, run Encrypt PDF, then open the download in a separate PDF reader.
- Expected output
- encrypted.pdf that prompts for the password before displaying any page.
Continue the workflow
Frequently asked questions
Is my password sent to a server?
No. Encryption happens locally in your browser, so neither the password nor the document ever travels over the network.
What makes a good PDF password?
Use at least 12 characters mixing upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid names, birthdays, and dictionary words that are easy to guess.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes. Use our Decrypt PDF tool with the correct password to produce an unprotected copy of the document whenever you need one.
Related tools
Decrypt PDF
Remove the password from a PDF you own by entering it once
Remove Restrictions
Unlock printing, copying and editing restrictions from PDFs you own — no password needed for owner-locked files
Change Permissions
Set printing, copying, editing and form-filling permissions on any PDF with AES-256 protection
Redact PDF
Permanently cover sensitive PDF text and remove the underlying selectable content
Sanitize PDF
Scrub hidden metadata, embedded files, JavaScript and auto-run actions from a PDF before sharing