How to password-protect a PDF (free)

You're sending a contract, a payslip, or a document with personal details, and you don't want just anyone who gets the file to be able to open it. Adding a password to a PDF is the simplest way to keep it private, and it takes about ten seconds.

When you need it

Any time a PDF leaves your hands over email, chat or a shared drive, a password means only someone with the code can read it. It's common for contracts, financial statements, medical records and anything with personal data.

Choose a strong password

A good password is long and hard to guess — avoid names and simple numbers. Just as important: send the password through a different channel than the file itself. If you email the PDF, share the password by text or a call, never in the same email.

It happens in your browser

The whole process runs on your device, so your PDF and its password are never uploaded anywhere. Open the Protect PDF tool, add your file, set a password, and download the protected copy. Keep the original safe — if you forget the password, the file can't be opened.