Free · Real AES encryption · Nothing uploaded

Protect PDF

Add a real password to a PDF, or remove one you already know — entirely in your browser. Genuine AES encryption, not a cosmetic lock.

Drop a PDF here or browse

Add or remove a password from your PDF

🔒 Encryption and decryption happen entirely on your device — your PDF and password are never uploaded.

How to protect or unlock a PDF

Lock a PDF with a password before sharing it, or remove a password you already know — without sending your file to a server.

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1. Add your PDF

Drop in any PDF; it's processed entirely in your browser.

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2. Choose a direction

Add a password to encrypt it, or enter a known password to remove one.

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3. Download

Get the protected or unlocked PDF, ready to share.

Password-protecting a PDF is useful for contracts, financial statements, medical records and anything else you don't want opened by just anyone. Adding a password applies real AES encryption, so the file genuinely can't be opened without it in any PDF reader — this is not a cosmetic restriction. Because everything runs locally, your password and document never leave your device. For other ways to secure a document, see the full PDF tools collection, including Redact for permanently removing sensitive content.

Protect PDF FAQ

Is this actually free?

Yes — completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many PDFs you protect or unlock.

Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?

No. Both encryption and password removal happen entirely inside your browser. Your PDF and your password never leave your device.

What encryption does it use?

Real AES encryption is applied to the PDF, the same standard used by professional PDF software — not a cosmetic lock. The resulting file genuinely requires the password to open in any PDF reader.

Can I remove a password from a PDF?

Yes, if you know the current password. Switch to the Remove password tab, enter it, and download a normal, unprotected PDF.

What if I forgot the PDF's password?

This tool cannot help recover or bypass a forgotten password — that's the entire point of real encryption; there is no backdoor.