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PDFinish

Protect a PDF with a password

To password protect a PDF, add the file, choose a password, and download the locked copy. The file and the password are handled in your browser and never sent to us.

0 of 2 free tasks used today

Each finished file counts as one task. Your count starts again every day. A free account raises the limit to 10 a day.

or drop a file here. Up to 50 MB each.

ProBatch mode: do many PDFs at once with the same settings. See Pro

Popular with landlords. Start from the rental application template.

How to password protect a PDF in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Add your PDF

    Drop the document onto the tool, or choose it from your device.

  2. 2

    Set a password

    Type the password you want twice. You can also turn off printing, copying or editing.

  3. 3

    Download the locked PDF

    Save the protected copy. Your original is not changed, so keep it somewhere safe.

Why use PDFinish for Protect PDF

  • Your files stay on your device

    The file is encrypted in your browser tab. Neither the document nor the password reaches our servers.

  • Strong encryption

    The password locks the file with AES-256 encryption.

  • No back door

    We cannot recover a forgotten password, because we never have it. We tell you that before you save.

  • No sign-up to begin

    Your first 2 tasks each day need no account. Add an email later if you want 10 a day.

  • Honest pricing

    Free to start. Pro starts at $2.99 a month and cancels in one click. We show your usage from the first page load and check limits before a task begins, never after.

Common questions

What kind of encryption does it use?

AES-256, a standard strong encryption. Anyone opening the file needs the password you set.

What happens if I forget the password?

Nobody can recover it, including us. We never see or store your password. Keep the original unprotected file, or keep the password in a password manager.

What can I restrict besides opening the file?

You can turn off printing, copying text and pictures, and editing. These limits are honored by programs that follow the PDF rules, so treat them as a polite request rather than a hard lock. The open password is what keeps people out.

How do I choose a good password?

Use a long phrase of several words that you can remember, and do not reuse a password from another account. The tool shows how strong yours looks as you type.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes. Use Unlock PDF and type the password. We only ever use the password you give us.

Is my file uploaded when I use Protect PDF?

No. The file is encrypted in your browser. The file is not sent to our servers.

Is Protect PDF free, and are there limits?

You can use it free. Without an account you get 2 tasks a day, and a free account (just an email address) raises that to 10. Free files can be up to 50 MB. Pro removes the daily limit and allows files up to 500 MB. Pro also lets you run Protect PDF on several PDFs at once with the same settings and download one zip file. We check the limits before a task starts, so a finished file is never held back.

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