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Password protect a PDF

Lock a PDF so only people with the password can open it, or let anyone read it but limit printing, copying and changes. PDFZyro encrypts the file with AES-256.

Free plan with no time limit. Pro free for 7 days, no card needed.

How to password protect a PDF

  1. Open the document

    Choose the PDF from your library or upload it, and open Protect.

  2. Set the password and limits

    Add a password to open the file, and choose whether to allow printing, copying and changes.

  3. Save and share

    The protected PDF is saved as a new version. Download it and send it; share the password separately.

Protection that works everywhere

  • AES-256 encryption

    The strongest standard PDF encryption, supported by every modern PDF reader.

  • Password to open

    Nobody can read the document without the password.

  • Limit printing, copying and changes

    Let people read the PDF while asking readers to block printing, copying or editing.

  • Your unprotected copy stays

    The protected file is a new version; the unprotected one stays in your private history.

  • Passwords never stored

    PDFZyro uses your password to encrypt the file and doesn't keep it.

Private by design

  • Encrypted and private

    Every file is encrypted before it's stored, and only you and the people you share with can open it.

  • Your original stays safe

    Every change is saved as a new version. The original is never changed, and you can restore it at any time.

  • No watermarks

    Files you save never get a watermark, on any plan, including the free one.

  • Works in your browser

    Nothing to install. Use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks, iPhone, iPad and Android.

Questions and answers

How do I password protect a PDF?

Open the PDF with Protect in PDFZyro, type a password to open it and, if you like, limit printing, copying and changes. Save and download the protected PDF.

How strong is the protection?

PDFZyro uses AES-256, the strongest encryption in the PDF standard. Choose a long password: the encryption is only as strong as the password.

What if I forget the password?

PDFZyro doesn't store passwords, so it can't recover them. Your unprotected version stays in your document's history, so you can protect it again.

Can I remove a password later?

Yes. If you know the password, Unlock PDF saves a copy without it.

Can I stop people from printing or copying my PDF?

Yes. Allow printing, allow it at low resolution only, or block it, and turn copying on or off. Most PDF readers respect these limits, but some programs ignore them, so use a password to open for anything truly confidential.

Is Password protect PDF free?

Yes. Password protect PDF isn't counted towards the Free plan's daily tasks, so you can use it as much as you like with files up to 50 MB. Pro adds unlimited edit, convert, compress and OCR tasks and more storage, and is free to try for 7 days.

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Create a free account in under a minute. No card needed, and no watermarks on anything you save.

Protect a PDF free