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Protect or unlock a PDF

Encrypt a PDF with a password, or remove the password from a PDF when you know it.

Processed on our server. Your file is uploaded over an encrypted connection, processed in an isolated temporary folder, and deleted after download or automatically within about 15 minutes.

No ads or third-party scripts on this page. Your password is sent with the file over HTTPS, used only for this job, and removed from our job records as soon as processing starts.

or drop it hereSupported formats: PDF

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AES-256 encryption. Keep the password safe: it cannot be recovered.

This tool uploads your file to our server over HTTPS. It is processed in an isolated temporary folder and deleted after download or automatically within about 15 minutes.

How to use Protect / Unlock PDF

  1. 1

    Add the PDF.

  2. 2

    Choose Protect or Unlock and enter the password.

  3. 3

    Run the tool and download the processed PDF.

About Protect / Unlock PDF

Protecting a PDF encrypts it with AES-256, the strongest standard PDF encryption, so it can only be opened with your password. You can also allow or block printing and copying text; standard PDF viewers enforce these permissions. Unlocking requires the correct password and removes the encryption. This tool never guesses or cracks passwords: only unlock files you are authorised to open. Processing happens on our server: the file and password travel over HTTPS, the password is used for this job only and removed from our job records as soon as processing starts, and files are deleted after download or within about 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Can you unlock a PDF if I forgot the password?

No. Unlocking needs the correct password. We do not crack or bypass passwords.

How strong is the protection?

It uses AES-256 encryption. Choose a long, unique password, because weak passwords can be guessed.

Are print and copy restrictions secure?

Standard PDF viewers respect them, but some software can ignore them once the file is opened. The open password is what keeps the content confidential.