badloSending a CV, payslip or contract? Add a password so that only people you share it with can open the file.
How to use the Protect PDF
- Upload your PDF.
- Choose a password of at least 4 characters.
- Download the protected PDF.
What to expect
AES-256 encryption
The PDF is encrypted, so its contents can't be read without the password.
Works in any reader
Phones, computers and PDF apps will ask for the password when opening it.
Don't lose it
We can't recover a forgotten password, so keep it somewhere safe.
Protect or redact?
A password controls who can open the whole file, and anyone with the password sees everything. To share a document with some details taken out, use Redact PDF first, and then add a password here.
Sharing a protected PDF safely
Send the file and its password by different routes, such as email for the file and a phone call or message for the password. Our guide on password protecting a PDF has more tips.
- Don't use your name, date of birth or phone number as the password.
- Don't reuse a password from your email or bank.
- Keep your own unprotected copy somewhere safe.
What a password doesn't do
Anyone who has the password can open, print and copy the whole file. It also can't take back a file you've already sent. To share a document with some details removed, use Redact PDF first.
Frequently asked questions
How do I put a password on a PDF for free?
Upload the PDF, type a password and download the protected copy.
What makes a good password?
Longer is stronger. Use several unrelated words, and send it separately from the file.
What if I forget the password?
The file can't be opened, and we can't recover it. Keep your unprotected original safe.
Do you keep my password?
No. It's only used to lock your file. Your files are only used for this job and are deleted from the server afterwards.
Can I change the password later?
Yes. Remove it with Unlock PDF, and then add a new one here.
Helpful guides
- How to Password Protect a PDFLock a PDF, share it safely, and remove a password you already know.
- Scanned PDF vs Digital PDF: How to Tell the DifferenceA 10-second test to tell them apart, and why it decides what you can convert.