How do I encrypt a PDF with a password?

Upload your PDF, enter an open password (required to open the file) and optionally an owner password (controls permissions). Set any restrictions you want, then click Encrypt PDF. The password-protected, encrypted PDF downloads instantly to your device.

Is my PDF uploaded to a server when encrypting?

No. This tool runs entirely inside your browser using PDF-lib. Your PDF file is never uploaded to any server — all encryption processing happens locally on your device.

What encryption algorithm is used?

This tool uses PDF-lib's built-in encryption which implements 128-bit RC4 (compatible with older PDF readers) and 256-bit AES encryption (stronger, for modern PDF readers). AES-256 is the recommended choice for maximum security.

Can I set specific permissions like allow printing but not editing?

Yes. This tool provides granular permission controls: you can allow or restrict printing (full or low-quality only), text and content copying, editing and modifications, filling of form fields, and adding annotations or comments — independently for each permission.

Encrypt PDF — Add Password & Protect PDF Files Online Free

Q: What is the difference between open password and owner password?

An open password (user password) is required to open and view the PDF. An owner password (permissions password) allows viewing but controls what users can do — such as printing, copying text, or editing. You can set one or both. If you only set an owner password, the PDF can be opened by anyone but restricted actions are locked.

Add AES-256 encryption, open password, owner password, and granular permission restrictions to any PDF — instantly in your browser. Your file never leaves your device.

🔐 AES-256 Encryption

🔑 Open + Owner Password

🚫 Restrict Print/Copy/Edit

🛡️ 100% Private

✓ Free · No Signup

100% Private & Secure. This tool uses PDF-lib, which runs entirely inside your browser. Your PDF is never uploaded to any server. All encryption, password setting and downloading happens locally on your device — completely private.

ToolLive's free PDF Encryption tool lets you encrypt PDF files, add password protection, and set granular security restrictions — all instantly in your browser using PDF-lib. Add an open password to prevent unauthorised viewing, set an owner password to control permissions, and independently restrict printing, copying, editing, form filling and annotations. Supports 128-bit RC4 and 256-bit AES encryption with a live password strength indicator. Perfect for securing PDF documents, protecting confidential files, and locking PDFs before sharing. Completely free, no registration.

Step 1 — Upload PDF to Encrypt

Drag & drop or click to browse — processed 100% in your browser

📄

Drop your PDF here or click to browse

Any PDF file · No file size limit

File never leaves your device

Step 2 — Encryption Settings

Configure password protection and permissions

📄

document.pdf

— pages — KB

🔐 Encryption Algorithm

Encryption Standard Recommended

🔑 Passwords

Open Password (User Password) Optional

—

Anyone trying to open the PDF must enter this password.

Owner Password (Permissions Password) Optional

—

Set to restrict printing, copying or editing without requiring open password.

🚫 Permissions to Restrict

Check boxes below to restrict that action. Requires an owner password to be set for restrictions to apply.

🖨️ Restrict Printing

Prevent users from printing the document

🖨️ Allow Low-Quality Print Only

Restrict to low-resolution printing only

📋 Restrict Copying Text

Prevent copying or extracting text/images

✏️ Restrict Editing

Prevent modifying or editing the document

💬 Restrict Annotations

Prevent adding comments or annotations

📝 Restrict Form Filling

Prevent filling in form fields

📑 Restrict Assembly

Prevent inserting, rotating or deleting pages

📤 Restrict Content Extraction

Prevent extracting content for accessibility tools

🔐 Encryption Preview — What will be applied

Encrypting PDF… 0%

How to Encrypt a PDF with Password Protection

Upload Your PDF

Drag & drop or click to select any PDF. Nothing is uploaded — the file loads directly into your browser memory.

Set Passwords

Enter an open password (required to view) and/or an owner password (controls permissions). Use the strength indicator for secure passwords.

Choose Restrictions

Optionally restrict printing, copying, editing, form-filling, annotations and content extraction individually.

Download Encrypted PDF

Click Encrypt & Protect. Your AES-256 encrypted PDF downloads instantly — secure and ready to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

No. This tool uses PDF-lib, an open-source library that runs entirely inside your browser. Your PDF file is never transmitted to any server — all encryption happens locally on your device. The encrypted PDF is generated in browser memory and downloaded directly to your computer.

What encryption algorithm does this tool use?

You can choose between AES-256 (recommended — the strongest available, supported by all modern PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat, Preview, and Chrome) or RC4-128 (for compatibility with older PDF readers from Acrobat 5+). AES-256 is the standard used by banks and government agencies.

What is the difference between open password and owner password?

An open password (user password) prevents the PDF from being viewed at all without entering the password. An owner password (permissions password) allows viewing but restricts other actions like printing, copying or editing. You can set one, both, or neither. Only the owner password is needed to apply restrictions.

If I only set an owner password, can anyone still open the PDF?

Yes. If you only set an owner password (no open password), anyone can open and read the PDF. The restrictions apply to other actions — printing, copying, editing, etc. Only the person who knows the owner password can override those restrictions. Set an open password as well if you want to prevent viewing entirely.

What makes a strong PDF password?

A strong PDF password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. !@#$%). Avoid dictionary words, names, or sequences like "123456". The strength indicator in this tool will show Weak, Medium or Strong as you type. For sensitive documents, use at least 16 characters.

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