Protect PDF – Add a Password to a PDF
Lock a PDF with a strong AES-256 password, and choose whether people can print, copy or edit it. Free and private.
Processed on your device · no uploadDrop a PDF here or choose a file
PDF · locks it with an AES-256 password · or paste with Ctrl+V
What to do next
How to use Protect PDF
Add your PDF
Drop the file or choose it from your device.
Set a password
Type the password twice. Switch off Print, Copy or Edit if you want to limit what people can do.
Save
Press Protect PDF. The encrypted copy downloads straight away; your original stays unchanged.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the protection?
The file is encrypted with AES-256, the strongest standard PDF encryption. A long password you do not reuse is what makes it strong.
What if I forget the password?
It cannot be recovered. Nobody, including TabShed, can open the file without it, so keep the password somewhere safe and keep your original.
Do the print, copy and edit limits always work?
Most PDF apps respect them, but they are a courtesy, not a lock: some tools ignore them. Only the open password is real protection.
Can I use a password that is not English?
Plain letters, numbers and symbols are safest. Other characters may not be accepted by every PDF app, so test the file once on the device you will use.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Encryption runs in your browser and the file and password never leave your device.