Password Protect PDF
Encrypt your PDF with a password. Done locally.
Drop your PDF here
or click to browse · Files stay private on your device
Protecting a PDF adds a password that encrypts the document so only people with the password can open it — the simplest way to keep a file private when you email or store it. This tool applies standard AES encryption and confirms the protection was applied before handing back the file.
Your file and password stay in your browser and are never uploaded. There is no password recovery, so keep a backup of the original. See our guide to password-protecting a PDF.
How to Use
Upload your PDF
Drop the file onto the upload zone or click to browse.
Enter a password
Type a strong password. Keep a copy — there is no recovery option.
Protect & download
Click Protect PDF and download the encrypted file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What encryption standard is used?
PDFelly applies AES-128 encryption, the standard supported by all major PDF readers.
Can I set separate owner and user passwords?
Currently a single password is applied. Separate owner/user permissions are on the roadmap.
What happens if I lose my password?
There is no recovery mechanism. Always keep a backup of the original unprotected PDF.
Will the protected PDF open in other PDF readers?
Yes — AES-128 encrypted PDFs are compatible with all major PDF readers.