How do I password protect a PDF for free?
Add your PDF above, type a password and confirm it, then click Protect PDF. Your encrypted PDF downloads instantly. It is free with no signup and no watermarks.
PDF Tools
Protect PDF
Add a password to encrypt and protect a PDF file.
Drop your PDF here
Or choose a file from your device to password protect.
Your file stays private. The PDF is encrypted in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
How it works
1
Add your PDF
Drop your PDF file into the box or choose it from your device. Nothing is uploaded to a server.
2
Set a password
Type a password and confirm it. This becomes the password needed to open the PDF.
3
Protect and download
Click protect and your encrypted PDF downloads instantly, locked with your password.
Protect PDF features
- Add a password so only people who know it can open your PDF.
- Uses AES encryption, the standard used for secure PDFs.
- The PDF is encrypted in your browser, so nothing is uploaded to a server.
- No watermarks added to your protected PDF, ever.
- Completely free with no signup and no daily limits.
- Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.
Protect PDF FAQ
How is Craftora different from iLovePDF or Smallpdf?
iLovePDF and Smallpdf upload your PDF to their servers to encrypt it, so your file leaves your device. Craftora encrypts the PDF right in your browser, so it never gets uploaded anywhere, with no daily limits.
How strong is the protection?
Craftora uses AES encryption, the same standard used for secure PDFs. It is strong protection for everyday privacy and sharing. As with any password, choose one that is hard to guess.
What happens if I forget the password?
The PDF cannot be opened without it, and Craftora cannot recover it, because your file and password are never stored or uploaded. Keep the password somewhere safe.
Do my files get uploaded anywhere?
No. The encryption runs entirely in your browser on your own device. Your PDF and password are never sent to any server.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes. If you know the password, use the Unlock PDF tool to remove it and save an unprotected copy.
Related PDF Tools
Recent from the blog
JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use? (2026 Guide)
JPG, PNG, and WebP all store images, but picking the wrong one gives you blurry photos, huge files, or lost transparency. Here is exactly when to use each, in plain English.
Read guide →How to Compress a PDF Without Losing Quality (2026 Guide)
A large PDF is a pain to email or upload, but most compressors either barely shrink it or turn your crisp text into a blurry mess. Here is how to reduce PDF file size while keeping it looking clean.
Read guide →How to Merge PDF Files for Free (2026 Guide)
Combining several PDFs into one file used to mean paid software or uploading private documents to a stranger server. Here is the faster, safer way to merge PDF files for free.
Read guide →