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Password protect a PDF

Add a password to a PDF right in your browser. The copy is encrypted with AES-256 and asks for the password before it opens. Neither the file nor the password is sent anywhere.

Works in your browser No upload No ads No tracking No account

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How to add a password to a PDF

  1. Add the PDF.
  2. Type the password twice.
  3. Download the protected copy, and keep the password somewhere safe.

What a PDF password protects

  • The protected copy can't be opened without the password; its contents are encrypted with AES-256.
  • The same password opens and edits the copy; 1Scanner doesn't set separate printing or copying limits.
  • A forgotten password can't be recovered — not by 1Scanner and not by us.
Privacy

Protect PDFs without uploading them or the password

  • Your files are opened and changed by your browser, on your device. They are never sent to our server or to anyone else.
  • No account, no sign-up, no email.
  • No ads, no analytics, no tracking scripts, and this site sets no cookies.
  • Signatures and stamps you add are kept only in this browser, so they are there next time; the browser may clear them.
  • Your original file never changes: every result is a new file that your browser downloads.

Details: 1Scanner Web Privacy Policy.

More free PDF tools like Password protect PDF

Remove PDF password

A copy without the password of a PDF you can open.

Compress PDF

To 200 KB, 1 MB or another limit up to 20 MB, with the real size shown first.

Sign PDF

Your handwritten signature from a photo or drawn with a mouse or finger.

Merge PDF

PDFs and pictures into one file, in the order you choose.

Prefer an app to password protect PDF?

1Scanner for Mac

Free. The same tools as an app: your library stays, big files go faster.

1Scanner for iPhone & iPad

Scan paper documents with the camera, sign and send them.

1Scanner for Android

Scan documents and QR codes with your phone.

Password protect PDF: questions

How do I password protect a PDF for free?

Add the PDF, type the password twice and download the protected copy. It's free and needs no account.

How do I password protect a PDF on Windows?

Open this page in Chrome, Edge or Firefox on Windows and add the PDF. Nothing needs to be installed.

How secure is PDF password protection?

The copy is encrypted with AES-256, the strongest encryption PDF supports. A long password that isn't used elsewhere matters more than anything else.

Can I protect a PDF from editing or copying?

1Scanner sets one password that is needed to open the PDF. Anyone who has it can open and edit the copy; separate editing or copying limits aren't set.

What if I forget the password?

It can't be recovered. Keep the original or the password somewhere safe.