Protect PDF

Add a password and permissions to keep your PDFs private.

Coming soon

We're polishing this tool — read on to learn what it'll do, or try one of our working tools above.

Protect PDF locks a document so only people with the password can open it. Converterzilla's protector will let you set a user password (required to open) and an owner password (required to change permissions like printing and copying) — all encrypted to AES-256 in your browser.

How Protect PDF will work once it ships

This tool isn't live yet — the steps below describe the planned experience, not something you can do today.

  1. Upload your PDF. Drop the PDF you want to protect. The original is left alone; we produce a new encrypted copy.
  2. Set passwords and permissions. Choose a user password (to open), an optional owner password (for permissions), and what users can do — print, copy, edit.
  3. Download the protected PDF. Save the encrypted copy. Anyone trying to open it without the password sees a password prompt.

What Protect PDF will offer

Strong AES-256 encryption

We use the same encryption standard banks use. Modern PDF readers all support it.

Granular permissions

Allow viewing but block printing, copying or editing. Or lock the file completely to password-only access.

Local-only handling

Encryption happens in your browser. Your password and content never reach a server.

Questions we expect about Protect PDF

User password is required to open. Owner password is required to change the permissions you've set. Setting both gives you maximum control.

Yes, with our Unlock PDF tool — supply the password and you'll get an unlocked copy back.

Use at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. AES-256 is uncrackable; weak passwords are the only weakness.

Guides for Protect PDF

How to password-protect a PDF before sharing it

Encryption levels, the user/owner password split, and what permissions actually do.