Protect PDF

What is Protect PDF?

Protect PDF is a free online tool that lets you add password protection to your PDF documents. You can set passwords to prevent unauthorized access and control what actions users can perform with your document.

Why Protect Your PDF Files?

Password protection is essential for keeping sensitive information secure. Here are common use cases:

• Confidential documents: Protect financial reports, contracts, and personal information
• Business proposals: Ensure only intended recipients can open your proposals
• Legal documents: Add an extra layer of security to legal files
• Academic work: Protect your thesis or research papers from unauthorized copying
• Medical records: Keep patient information secure and compliant

How to Protect Your PDF - Step by Step

1. Upload your PDF: Click the upload button or drag and drop your PDF file
2. Set User Password (optional): This password is required to open the PDF
3. Set Owner Password (required): This password is needed to change permissions or remove protection
4. Choose permissions: Select what actions users can perform (print, copy, modify, etc.)
5. Click Protect PDF: Process your document and download the protected version

Password Types Explained

User Password (Open Password)

When set, users must enter this password to open and view the PDF. Leave it empty if you want anyone to open the document but still restrict certain actions.

Owner Password (Permissions Password)

This password is required to change document permissions or remove protection. The owner password is always required when protecting a PDF.

Available Permissions

• Printing: Allow or prevent users from printing the document
• Copying: Control whether text and images can be copied
• Modifying: Allow or restrict editing of document content
• Annotations: Control whether users can add comments or annotations
• Form Filling: Allow or prevent filling in form fields
• Page Assembly: Control inserting, deleting, or rotating pages

Security Features

• 256-bit AES encryption: Industry-standard encryption for maximum security
• Flexible permissions: Granular control over document actions
• No file storage: Your files are processed and deleted immediately

Tips for Strong Password Protection

• Use different passwords for user and owner access
• Create passwords with at least 8 characters, including numbers and symbols
• Avoid using common words or easily guessable information
• Keep a secure record of your passwords

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between user and owner password?

The user password is needed to open the PDF, while the owner password is needed to change permissions or remove protection. You can set just the owner password if you want anyone to open the PDF but restrict certain actions.

Can the protection be removed?

Yes, with the owner password, you can remove or change the protection settings. Without it, the encryption cannot be bypassed.

Is my data secure?

Yes, your files are processed on our secure servers and deleted immediately after processing. We do not store or access your document content.