Unlock PDF
Remove the password and restrictions from a PDF you own.
Password-protect a PDF
Encrypt your PDF so it can only be opened with the password you choose.
Your PDF is now protected
The download link expires in 30 minutes. After that the file is deleted automatically.
Done — your file has been deleted from our servers.
Processed on your device: your file never left your computer or phone.
Thanks for your feedback!
It really helps us improve PDFacile. Your comment will be read before it is published.
Next time, do it in one click
With the Chrome extension, open the PDF or image you’re viewing straight in a PDFacile tool, without downloading or re-uploading it.
Continue with this file
Send the result straight to another tool, without downloading it.
Continue with another tool
- Secure processing
- Files deleted automatically
- No sign-up needed
Tip: with our Chrome extension, just right-click a PDF to open it here. Get it free
How to password-protect a PDF
-
Step 1: Select or drop your PDF.
-
Step 2: Enter a password and type it again to confirm.
-
Step 3: Click Protect PDF.
-
Step 4: Download the encrypted file and keep the password safe.
Control who can read your document
Payslips, medical records, contracts and financial statements often travel by email or sit in shared folders. A password makes sure only the people you give it to can open them.
Share the password through a different channel than the file — for example, send the PDF by email and the password by phone or message.
How does PDF password protection work?
We encrypt your document with AES-256 using qpdf. The contents can only be decrypted and displayed by a PDF reader after the correct password is entered.
Your password is used only to encrypt the file. It is never stored or logged, which also means we cannot recover it for you if it is lost.
Frequently asked questions
What if I forget the password?
We can't help you recover it — the password isn't stored anywhere. Keep it somewhere safe, such as a password manager, before you share the file.
How strong is the encryption?
The file is encrypted with AES-256, which is supported by all modern PDF readers. A long, unique password makes it much harder to guess.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes. If you know the password, use Unlock PDF to create an unencrypted copy.
Do you see or keep my password?
No. It's sent over HTTPS, used for encryption only and never written to storage or logs. The unprotected upload is deleted right after processing, and the encrypted file after 30 minutes.
Related PDF tools
Local
Sign PDF
Draw, type or upload your signature and place it on a PDF.
Redact PDF
Permanently black out confidential text and images in a PDF.
Local
Watermark PDF
Stamp custom text or your logo on every page of a PDF.