Protect a PDF With a Password
Add a password to a PDF with PDF.it. Encrypt your document for safer sharing, storage, and submissions — fast and browser-based.
Use PDF.it's Protect PDF tool to password protect and encrypt a PDF in seconds. Add a password before emailing, uploading, or storing sensitive files like contracts, bank statements, invoices, or personal documents.
- ✓ Password protect PDF files online
- ✓ Encrypt PDFs for safer sharing and storage
- ✓ Great for contracts, statements, and medical forms
- ✓ No installation — runs in your browser
Drop your PDF here
or click to browse files
Supported format: .pdf
Add a Password to a PDF
Set a password to restrict who can open your PDF. PDF.it secures the file using standard PDF password protection so the contents are not accessible without the password.
Protect Sensitive Documents
PDF password protection is useful when sending confidential files by email or uploading to services where you want an extra layer of access control.
Download Instantly
After protection is applied, download your secured PDF and share it with the intended recipient — share the password separately via a safer channel.
How to Password Protect a PDF
Upload your PDF
Drag and drop or click to choose a file
Set a password
Enter a strong password and confirm it
Download protected PDF
Get your secured file instantly
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Protect PDF mean?
It means adding password-based security to the PDF so only people with the password can open it.
What happens if I forget the password?
Password-protected PDFs generally can't be recovered without the password. PDF.it can't retrieve it — store it somewhere safe.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes. Use PDF.it's Unlock PDF tool to remove password protection from any PDF you own the password for.
Can I protect a PDF on my phone?
Yes. PDF.it works in mobile browsers — upload the PDF, set a password, and download the secured file.
Is it safe to upload sensitive PDFs?
Yes. All transfers are SSL encrypted and your files are deleted immediately after your session. We never store or share your documents.
What is the maximum file size I can protect?
Free accounts can upload files up to 25MB. Pro accounts can upload files up to 200MB. Business accounts can upload files up to 1GB.