How to Protect or Unlock a PDF with a Password, Privately in Your Browser

Putting a password on a PDF before emailing it is a sensible habit for IDs, bank documents and contracts. It is only private if the file itself stays private, so the tools here encrypt and decrypt inside your browser.

Quick answer

Use Protect PDF to add a password and Unlock PDF to remove one from a file you own and whose password you know.

Protect a PDF

1. Add the PDF.
2. Type the password to open the file. You can also set an owner password.
3. Press Convert and download the protected file. It uses AES-256 encryption.
4. Send the password by another channel, for example a phone message.

Unlock a PDF

1. Add the protected file.
2. Type its password in the password box.
3. Press Convert. You get a copy that opens without a password.

Good habits

• Use a long, unique password and keep it in a password manager.
• Keep an unprotected copy in a safe place. A forgotten password cannot be recovered.
• Only unlock files you are allowed to open. The tool does not guess or break passwords.

Frequently asked questions

Is my file or password uploaded? No. Both stay in your browser.

Is this strong? Yes, AES-256 is the standard strong encryption for PDF.

Can I open it in any PDF reader? Yes, standard readers ask for the password.