Password Protect PDF

Lock a PDF with a real password — genuine AES-256 encryption, not a cosmetic lock. Free, no signup. If you lose the password, there is no recovery — that's what makes it real encryption. Read more about protecting confidential PDFs.

No signup required — start immediately
Real document security, not just a marketing label
Completely free, no hidden limits

Click to select a PDF file

or drag and drop

Password Protect PDF — GuardedProFingerprints the protected result — if it leaks, you can trace which copy it was. You still get your own direct download, plus a share link to send instead of the raw file. Sign in to enable

This is just the start — Pro also gets you, from £4/month

•Revoke access instantly, even after it's been opened
•Invisible fingerprinting on every document
•Photo verification on open — approve or deny in 60 seconds

+9 more Pro features, from £4/month →

How to password-protect a PDF

Upload the PDF you want to lock.
Set a password.
Download the encrypted file — it can't be opened without that password.

Common reasons to password-protect a PDF

Sending a sensitive document by email, with the password shared separately
Protecting a file stored on a shared drive
Locking a document before handing over a device or USB drive

FAQ

Is this real encryption, or just a PDF viewer restriction?

Real AES-256 encryption — the file genuinely cannot be opened without the password, not a soft permission flag some readers ignore.

What happens if I forget the password?

There's no recovery. The encryption is real, so losing the password means losing access — keep it somewhere safe.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes, with the Unlock PDF tool, if you still have the password.