Protect PDF with a password
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Add password protection to a PDF before sharing it by email or storing it in the cloud. Choose a password, and we’ll encrypt the file with 256-bit AES so it can only be opened with that password.
Keep the password somewhere safe — if you lose it, there is no way for us to recover or remove it later.
Also useful: Unlock PDF (remove password) · Merge PDF files
How it works
- Upload the PDF you want to protect with a password.
- Choose the password you want to require to open the file.
- Click protect and download your encrypted PDF.
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Frequently asked questions
What encryption does this use?
We use 256-bit AES encryption via qpdf, the same standard used by professional PDF software.
What happens if I forget the password I set?
We don’t store passwords or keep copies of your files after 15 minutes, so we can’t recover it. Use our Unlock PDF tool if you still remember the password and want it removed later.
Do I need an account to use this?
No. There is no sign-up, no login, and no email required — every tool on PDF Hater is completely free. Open the page, drop your file, download the result. That’s the whole flow.
Can I set a separate password just for editing vs. opening the PDF?
Not in this tool — we set a single password (an AES 256-bit "user" password) required to open the file, which covers the most common use case of keeping a document private. Owner/permissions passwords for restricting editing/printing separately are not part of this MVP.
Does protecting a PDF also encrypt the images and text inside it?
Yes — the AES-256 encryption applies to the entire file, including embedded images and text streams, not just a login screen in front of an otherwise-open document.