Password Protect PDF with AES-256 Encryption

Add strong password protection to any PDF file. Uses AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by banks and governments — to prevent unauthorized access.

Why use Protect PDF?

How it works

  1. Upload your PDF
  2. Enter a password
  3. Download the encrypted PDF

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I forget the password?

There is no recovery option — AES-256 encryption cannot be brute-forced in practice. Store your password securely before downloading.

Can I protect a PDF that is already password-protected?

Upload a locked PDF and the tool will ask for the current password to unlock it first, then apply your new password.

Is this the same encryption as ilovepdf or Smallpdf use?

Yes — AES-256 with PDF revision 6 is the current PDF specification maximum and is the same used by all major PDF tools.