Password Protect PDF
Encrypt PDF with password and permission controls
Password Protect PDF — Free Online PDF Encryption
DocTools.CC is a free online tool that adds password protection to your PDF files with AES-256 encryption. Control who can open, print, copy, and edit your document. No registration, no watermarks, and no file size limits.
Two Levels of Protection
- Open Password — Required to view the document. Without it, the PDF cannot be opened at all.
- Permissions Password — Controls what users can do after opening: print, copy text, edit, or add comments.
How to Use
- Upload your PDF file (up to 100MB)
- Set an open password (required to view)
- Optionally set a permissions password and restrict actions
- Click Protect and download your encrypted PDF
Key Features
- 100% free with no daily limits and no watermarks
- No registration or account needed
- AES-256 encryption — industry-standard security
- Independent control over open and permissions passwords
- Files automatically deleted after 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this tool
Upload your PDF above, enter a password, and choose which permissions to restrict (printing, copying, editing). Click Protect and download your encrypted PDF. No account required — completely free.
Your PDF is encrypted with AES-256, the gold standard for document security. This is the same encryption level used by banks and government agencies. Without the password, the content cannot be accessed.
You can set both an open password (required to view the document) and a permissions password (controls what users can do after opening). Restrict printing, copying text, editing, or adding comments independently.
No. Your password is used only to encrypt the PDF and is never stored on our servers. We cannot recover lost passwords — make sure to remember or save the password you set. Original files are deleted after 30 minutes.