Password protect PDF
Lock a PDF so it can only be opened with your password. The encryption happens in your browser, so neither the document nor the password is ever sent anywhere.
- No upload
- Free, no sign-up
- Runs on your device
Drop a PDF to protect
or choose a file · Adds AES-256 password protection
Stays on your device
How to use Protect PDF
- 1
Drop your PDF
Any PDF you want to keep private.
- 2
Set a password
Type a strong password, and add restrictions if you need them.
- 3
Download
Save the protected PDF.
Open password vs owner password
The open password is what people need to open and read the PDF. Without it, the contents stay encrypted and unreadable.
The owner password controls the restrictions, such as whether the document can be printed or its text copied. Restrictions rely on the PDF reader respecting them, so use the open password to keep a document truly private.
Don’t lose your password
If you forget the password, the file can’t be recovered. GrabKit never sees or stores your password, so we can’t reset it for you. Keep an unprotected copy somewhere safe, or save the password in a password manager.
A long password is much harder to guess than a short, complicated one, and the password generator can create one for you. Send the password to the recipient separately from the file, for example by text message rather than in the same email.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to password protect a PDF?
Yes, completely free. There is no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit and no premium plan.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. GrabKit processes your file with code that runs inside your own browser. The file is never sent to a server, so nobody (including us) can see it. You can even disconnect from the internet after the page loads and the tool keeps working.
What happens if I forget the password?
The PDF can’t be opened or recovered without it. GrabKit never sees or stores your password, so keep it somewhere safe, such as a password manager.
How strong is the encryption?
GrabKit uses AES-256, the strongest encryption available in the PDF format. With a long, unique password, the file is practically impossible to open without it.
Can I stop people printing or copying the PDF?
Yes. Set an owner password and choose to deny printing or copying text. Most PDF readers respect these settings, but they aren’t as strong as the open password itself.
How do I remove the password later?
Use Unlock PDF and enter the password to save an unprotected copy.