Secure your PDF files with strong password encryption. Set user and owner passwords, and control document permissions like printing, copying, and editing. All processing is done securely in your browser.
or drag and drop PDF files here (max 50MB per file, multiple files supported)
If only Owner Password is set, PDF opens without password but permissions are restricted.
Uncheck to restrict. Permissions are only effective if an Owner Password is set.
In today's digital-first environment, sensitive documents travel across networks constantly. While PDFs have become the universal standard for document sharing, their default lack of security leaves confidential information vulnerable. Our advanced PDF locker provides enterprise-grade protection that lets you password protect PDF files with military-grade encryption—all within your browser, completely free.
Every day, businesses and individuals share sensitive PDFs containing financial records, legal contracts, intellectual property, and personal data. Without proper protection, these documents are exposed to:
Our solution transforms this vulnerability into fortified security. With just a few clicks, you can lock PDF files with robust encryption that meets enterprise security standards.
Unlike basic PDF tools that offer minimal security, our platform provides comprehensive protection through a streamlined process:
Effective PDF protection involves two distinct security layers that serve different purposes:
This is your first line of defense—the digital lock on your PDF. When set, recipients must enter this password simply to view the document contents. Ideal for highly confidential materials where access should be strictly limited to authorized individuals.
This sophisticated security layer controls what happens after a document is opened. Even if a PDF is accessible to all, the owner password lets you restrict specific actions like printing, copying, or editing. This is perfect for distribution materials where you want broad viewing access but need to prevent misuse.
Our PDF security tool goes far beyond simple password protection. When you set an owner password, you gain precise control over these critical document interactions:
This granular approach lets you apply the principle of least privilege—granting only the access absolutely necessary for each recipient's role.
When you encrypt PDF files with our tool, your content is transformed into secure code using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)—the same technology trusted by governments and financial institutions worldwide.
Recommended for most users
Provides exceptional security while maintaining compatibility with virtually all PDF readers. The 128-bit key offers 340 undecillion possible combinations—mathematically secure against brute-force attacks with current technology.
Maximum security option
Offers the highest level of commercial encryption available. With 115 quattuorvigintillion possible combinations, it's ideal for extremely sensitive documents, though compatibility with very old PDF readers may be limited.
Our free PDF locker serves diverse security needs across industries and use cases:
Unlike many online PDF tools that require uploading your documents to remote servers, our platform processes everything directly in your browser. This approach offers significant privacy advantages:
This privacy-first architecture ensures that when you secure PDF documents with our tool, you're the only person who ever has access to your files.
While our tool provides powerful security capabilities, effective protection also depends on proper usage:
Yes, our PDF password protector is completely free with no hidden costs, usage limits, or subscription requirements. We believe robust document security should be accessible to everyone.
For security reasons, we cannot recover forgotten passwords. The encryption is designed to be unbreakable, which means if you lose your password, the document may become permanently inaccessible. We recommend using a password manager to store your PDF passwords securely.
Yes, but you'll need the owner password to do so. Password removal requires either a PDF editor with appropriate permissions or a dedicated unlocking tool that can authenticate with the owner password.
No, the encryption process doesn't alter the visual quality or content of your PDF in any way. The file size may increase slightly due to encryption overhead, but your document will look identical to the original when opened with the correct password.
Virtually all modern PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader, Preview (Mac), and web-based viewers like Chrome's built-in PDF viewer fully support AES-encrypted PDFs with password protection and permissions.
In an era of increasing digital threats, proactive document protection is no longer optional—it's essential. Our free online PDF locker gives you enterprise-grade security without complexity or cost. Whether you're protecting personal financial records, confidential business documents, or intellectual property, our tool provides the robust protection you need.
Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your sensitive documents are secure. Start protecting your PDFs now—it's fast, free, and completely private.