PDF Password
100% Private & Local — Your files NEVER leave your device

PDF Password

Add password protection to your PDF or remove it. Runs entirely in your browser — your files are never uploaded.

Drop your PDF here

or click to browse

PDF files only

Why Protect Your PDF with a Password?

Password-protecting a PDF is the simplest way to control who can open, read, or modify your document. Whether it's a confidential contract, a financial report, or personal medical records, PDF encryption adds a crucial layer of security before you share the file via email or cloud storage.

Most online PDF encryption tools require you to upload your file to a remote server — meaning your sensitive document travels the internet and sits on someone else's computer, even if only briefly. This tool is different: all encryption and decryption happens locally inside your browser using the open-source pdf-lib library. Your file never leaves your device. You can verify this by opening your browser's DevTools Network tab and watching for zero file-upload requests while you use the tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is the encryption applied to my PDF?
This tool uses 128-bit RC4 encryption as defined in the PDF 1.4 standard — the same level used by most PDF readers and common office tools. It is sufficient for protecting personal documents, but for government-grade security or storing highly sensitive enterprise data, consider AES-256 encryption available in Adobe Acrobat or dedicated PDF security software.
What actually happens to my file — is it ever uploaded?
No — your file is never uploaded anywhere. The entire process runs inside your browser using the pdf-lib JavaScript library. When you drop or select a file, it is read into browser memory using the FileReader API. Encryption or decryption happens in memory, and the resulting file is downloaded directly to your device. Nothing is sent to any server.
I forgot the password to my PDF — can this tool help?
No — this tool requires you to enter the correct password to unlock a PDF. It does not crack, brute-force, or bypass PDF encryption. If you've forgotten your password, your options are to try recovery tools specifically designed for that purpose, or contact the document's creator.
Will the encrypted PDF work in Adobe Acrobat and other readers?
Yes. The 128-bit RC4 encryption used here is based on the PDF 1.4 standard, which is supported by all major PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat, Apple Preview, Foxit Reader, Chrome's built-in PDF viewer, and most mobile PDF apps. Recipients will be prompted for the password when they try to open the file.
What is the Owner Password and when should I use it?
PDF encryption supports two passwords: the User Password controls who can open the file, while the Owner Password controls permissions like printing, copying text, and editing. If you set a different Owner Password, only someone with that password can change those permissions or fully edit the document. If you leave it blank, the User Password doubles as the Owner Password. Setting an Owner Password is useful for distributing read-only documents where you want to discourage, but not fully prevent, content extraction.
★ Built by an Indie Hacker · Launched Solo

If this saved you time,

pay it forward in 10 seconds

A quick share helps an indie hacker rank on Google and break into Product Hunt Top 5. Zero cost to you.

▲ Upvote on Product Hunt

Every share = a free backlink · Every upvote = better ranking · Zero ad spend needed