How strong is the encryption?

Files are encrypted with AES-256, the strongest method in the PDF standard. Security then depends on your password: long and unpredictable is best.

Do permission settings stop everyone?

Respectful PDF readers enforce them, but some software ignores them. The open password is what really keeps people out.

What if I forget the password?

The file can't be opened, and Nopload can't recover it, since the password is never sent to us. Keep it in a password manager.

Is there a limit on password length?

Yes. PDF encryption uses at most 127 bytes of the password, so very long passwords are refused rather than silently cut. That is still far longer than you need.

Can I protect several PDFs at once?

Yes. Add several files and each is encrypted with the same password and permissions, ready to download together as a ZIP.

Protect PDF

Encrypt a PDF with a password and set permissions.

Runs on your device

Other sites: 0Check it yourself

1Add files
2Set up
3Download

Tip: You can also drop files anywhere on this page, or paste them.

Select files

or drop them here

Accepts PDF

How to use Protect PDF

01Add one or more PDFs to protect.
02Type a password twice and choose whether printing, copying text and editing are allowed.
03Press Protect PDF and download the encrypted file. Share the password separately from the file.

About Protect PDF

Protect PDF encrypts a document with AES-256, so it can only be opened with the password you set. You can also restrict what people may do once it's open, such as printing it, copying its text or editing it. Each protected file is checked against your password before you get it, so you never receive a file that won't open. Several files can share one password, which is handy for a set of documents sent together.

Why your files stay private

Your PDF and password are combined into an encrypted file entirely in your browser. The password is never transmitted or stored, so only you and the people you give it to can open the result.

Protect PDF: common questions

How strong is the encryption?: Files are encrypted with AES-256, the strongest method in the PDF standard. Security then depends on your password: long and unpredictable is best.
Do permission settings stop everyone?: Respectful PDF readers enforce them, but some software ignores them. The open password is what really keeps people out.
What if I forget the password?: The file can't be opened, and Nopload can't recover it, since the password is never sent to us. Keep it in a password manager.
Is there a limit on password length?: Yes. PDF encryption uses at most 127 bytes of the password, so very long passwords are refused rather than silently cut. That is still far longer than you need.
Can I protect several PDFs at once?: Yes. Add several files and each is encrypted with the same password and permissions, ready to download together as a ZIP.