Protect PDF Free Online: Password & Permission Lock
Add passwords and permission restrictions to PDFs: print, copy, modify, and annotate controls with AES encryption.
Add passwords and permission restrictions to any PDF. Set an open password to block viewing, an owner password to lock editing rights, and toggle fine-grained permissions for printing, copying, form filling, and annotations. Your file is encrypted entirely in the browser. Supported local media processing, no signup.
How to Use It
- Upload your PDF and wait for the local preview to load.
- Adjust the settings: Adjust the available settings and run the tool locally in your browser.
- Download the result: Download the processed file directly to your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between open and owner passwords?
An open password is required just to view the PDF. An owner password lets you keep the document readable by anyone while restricting what they can do. Print, copy, edit, annotate, etc. You can set one or both.
What encryption standard is used?
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) via the @cantoo/pdf-lib fork. This is the same encryption supported by Adobe Acrobat and every major PDF reader.
Is my PDF or password sent to a server?
No. All encryption happens locally in your browser. Your file and password never leave your device.
Can I remove the protection later?
Yes. Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove the password protection, provided you know the open password (or the PDF only has owner-password restrictions).