Secure a client report
Add a user password to a financial report before emailing it to a client.
๐ Manage PDF
๐ Protect PDF
Add passwords and document permissions to a PDF.
Protect PDF adds password encryption and reader permissions. If you enter only one password, it is used for both opening the PDF and owner permissions. Permission enforcement depends on the PDF reader.
Drop PDF file here
or click to browse ยท Up to 1 file ยท 100 MB max
Choose a file to begin.
Tool guidance maintained by Leslie ่ทฏ Updated November 6, 2026. Report an incorrect result.
How to use Protect PDF
- Upload the PDF you want to protect.
- Enter a user password, owner password, or both.
- Select the permissions readers should have.
- Click Protect PDF and download the encrypted file.
Features
- User and owner password support
- Print, copy, and edit permissions
- Password encryption and reader permissions
- Private browser-only processing
A single supplied password is used for both opening and owner permissions. Reader permission enforcement varies. This tool is not a guarantee against copying or redistribution, and it has no password recovery service.
Illustrative workflows
These scenarios explain how to check your own output; they are not claims of a recorded browser test.
Restrict editing
Set reader permissions for copying, modification, and printing. Reader enforcement varies; entering only an owner password also sets it as the opening password.
Separate opening access from reader permissions
To share a report that requires a password to open, enter a user password. If you also want a distinct owner password, fill both fields with different values. Supplying only either one makes that same value serve both roles; owner-only input does not create a password-free opening workflow in this tool.
The printing, copying, and editing checkboxes express permissions to the PDF reader. Editing also controls form filling and annotation in the current processor. Reader enforcement varies, so these settings do not guarantee that an authorized recipient cannot reproduce content. Save passwords securely, reopen the downloaded file to confirm the opening requirement, and check the permissions in the reader your recipient uses.
Check the opening password on a protected copy
Download the sample input below. The reference output was generated in a local processor test on November 6, 2026.
Open the input. For this public example, set User password to fixture-user-only and Owner password to fixture-owner-only. Clear Allow copying text. Select Protect PDF, then download your result.
Check the result
Close the protected PDF and reopen it. A wrong password should fail. Enter fixture-user-only and check that all three labeled pages open.
Download the reference output (PDF)Frequently asked questions
A user password is needed to open the PDF. An owner password controls permissions such as printing and copying.
No. Passwords are handled locally and there is no recovery service, so store them safely.
Yes. The output is encrypted with the passwords and permissions you choose.
The encryption algorithm depends on the PDF version and the library settings; this tool does not guarantee AES-128 for every input.
Yes. Use the Unlock PDF tool with the password you set to remove protection from the file.