Protect PDF with a Password

Lock a PDF so only people with the password can open it. Choose strong AES-256 encryption and decide whether readers may print, copy text or make changes.

By the ScoutMyTool team · Last reviewed 14 November 2026 · How we build our tools

How do I password-protect a PDF?

Choose your PDF, type a password of at least 8 characters, and select Protect PDF. The file is encrypted with AES-256 on our server using qpdf and deleted as soon as the protected PDF is sent back. Anyone opening it will need the password.

or drag and drop it here

Processed on our server over an encrypted connection, then deleted as soon as the result is sent back.

Password to open (at least 8 characters)

Anyone you share the file with will need this to open it. Save it somewhere safe — there is no recovery.

More options

Owner password for permissions (optional)

A separate password that lifts the print/copy/modify restrictions below. Set it if YOU need to change permissions later; leave blank and we generate a hidden random one so the restrictions still hold for people who only have the open password. Min 4 chars if set.

Encryption

AES-256 is the modern standard and the default. AES-256 requires PDF 1.7+ (Acrobat 9 / 2008 and later) — fine for essentially all current readers. Choose AES-128 only if a recipient uses very old PDF software.

Allow printing

Allow copying text

Allow changes

How to use Protect PDF with a Password

Choose or drop your PDF.
Type a password (at least 8 characters).
Select Protect PDF and download the locked file.

Passwords and permissions

The open password is needed to view the document. Under More options you can also block printing, copying text or editing, and set a separate owner password that controls those permissions. AES-256 is the strongest standard PDF encryption; AES-128 is available for very old PDF readers.

Choose a password you can share safely — send it by a different route from the file itself, for example by message rather than in the same email. We cannot recover a forgotten password.

Where your file goes

Encryption runs on our server. Your file and password are used only for this request: the file is processed in a temporary folder and deleted when the request ends, and the password is never logged.

Frequently asked questions

How strong is the protection?

AES-256 encryption with a good password cannot practically be broken. A short or common password can be guessed, so use at least 8 characters with a mix of words and numbers.

Can you recover my password if I forget it?

No. We never store passwords, so keep a note of it.

Do permission settings stop all copying?

They tell PDF readers not to allow printing or copying, and mainstream readers respect them. They are not a guarantee against determined misuse — the open password is the real protection.

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