Protect PDF

Add password protection to PDF documents.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How do you protect a PDF with a password?

Consider opening access and permitted actions separately.

  1. Open the final copy

    Open the intended document in a capable PDF tool.

  2. Set opening access

    Require a password to open it when needed.

  3. Configure permissions

    Choose supported printing, editing and copying permissions.

  4. Verify protection

    Check the saved copy's opening and permissions settings.

This guide explains the general workflow in an application that supports the operation. This version offers file selection and type/size checks; it does not generate processed output.

Frequently asked questions

Answers about the workflow, file quality, and situations you may encounter.

Are opening and permissions passwords the same?

One controls viewing access; the other restricts particular actions.

Does restricting editing also hide the contents?

No. Configure document-opening access separately.

Can I allow printing while restricting editing?

Capable tools offer separate printing and modification permissions.

Can copying restrictions preserve accessibility?

Check screen-reader access separately; some tools provide a specific setting.

Is entering the password enough to apply protection?

Save the changes, then inspect the saved copy's security settings.

Can I complete the operation and download a file on this page?

This version supports file selection and checks of file type, size, and count. Processing is not connected, so it does not convert, edit, or generate downloads. The guide describes a workflow in an application that supports the operation.

Which file types and sizes can I select?

This tool accepts PDF file extensions. You can select up to 20 files, with a 25 MB per-file limit and 100 MB total. Checking an extension does not verify that the file contents are valid or undamaged.

Are my selected files sent to a server?

In this version, file contents are not read or uploaded. Selections stay in the tab’s memory and are cleared on refresh. File names, extensions, and sizes are used only to display and check your selection.