How to use Protect PDF
- Add your PDF. Drag it into the box above.
- Choose a password. Use 12 or more characters. Optionally restrict printing, copying or editing.
- Protect and download. Press Protect PDF and download your encrypted file.
How strong is the protection?
PDFWisely uses AES-256 encryption (PDF 2.0, revision 6), the strongest standard PDF readers support. Without the password, the contents can't be read. The weak point is the password itself, so make it long.
- Use 12+ characters, or a phrase of four random words.
- Send the password separately from the file, for example by text message or phone.
- Store it safely. There's no way to recover a forgotten password.
Encrypted PDFs open in Adobe Acrobat and Reader, Chrome, Edge, Safari, macOS Preview and modern mobile apps. Very old PDF readers (before about 2008) can't open AES-256 files.
Private by design
Your files are processed entirely inside your browser on your own device. Nothing is uploaded to PDFWisely, so there's nothing for us to store, read or delete. You can even disconnect from the internet after this page loads.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to password-protect a PDF?
Yes. No sign-up and no watermark.
Is my file or password uploaded?
No. Encryption happens in your browser. We never see your file or your password.
What if I forget the password?
It can't be recovered, by us or anyone else. Keep an unprotected copy somewhere safe if you might need it.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes, with Unlock PDF, as long as you know the password.