EditPDF AI
Open Editor
PDF Security · AES-256

Password Lock
Your PDF

Encrypt any PDF with AES-256 — open it in Chrome, Preview, Acrobat, or any modern reader.

📄

Drop your PDF here

Drag & drop or click to browse
Up to 100 MB · Stays private

100% IN-BROWSER · ZERO UPLOAD · ZERO STORAGE

🔐 AES-256

Industry-standard AES-256 encryption — the same used by banks and governments.

⚡ Instant download

Click Lock PDF and your encrypted file downloads automatically — no extra step.

📂 Universal

Opens in Adobe Acrobat, macOS Preview, Chrome, Edge, Firefox — any modern reader.

What is a PDF password lock?

A PDF password lock encrypts a PDF file so that anyone who tries to open it must enter the correct password first. Without the password, the content is completely unreadable — even if someone obtains a copy of the file. EditPDF AI uses AES-256 encryption, the strongest level available in the PDF specification, equivalent to the standard used by banks and government agencies.

Beyond an open password, you can also set a permissions password that restricts what a recipient can do with the document — preventing printing, copying text, or making edits — even after they have opened it. All encryption runs in your browser, so your document and password are never sent to any server.

Practical examples

Common ways people use this tool in real documents and day-to-day workflows.

HR & payroll teams

Password-protect payslips, salary letters, and personal employee records before emailing them to individuals.

Legal & financial professionals

Lock contracts, settlement documents, and financial reports so only the intended recipient can access the content.

Educators

Protect exam papers and answer sheets with a password that is shared only after the assessment window closes.

Individuals

Secure personal documents — tax returns, ID scans, medical records — stored in cloud services or shared via messaging apps.

How it works

1

Upload your PDF

Select the PDF you want to protect. It is processed entirely in your browser.

2

Set a password

Enter an open password (required to view) and optionally a permissions password (controls printing and editing rights).

3

Download the protected file

Click Protect PDF. The encrypted file downloads instantly — open it in any PDF viewer and the password will be required.

Frequently asked questions

What encryption does the PDF password use?+
We apply AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by banks and government agencies. It is the strongest encryption available in the PDF specification.
Can I set different passwords for viewing and editing?+
Yes. The "open" password is required to open the file. The "permissions" password controls whether the viewer can print or copy text, even after opening.
Can I remove the password from a PDF I own?+
If you know the password, yes — open the protected PDF in our tool and use the Remove Password option.
Does password protection prevent copying text?+
You can restrict copying by setting a permissions password. Without the permissions password, the viewer cannot copy text from the PDF.
Is my PDF sent to a server?+
No. Encryption runs in your browser using WebAssembly. Your document and password are never transmitted over the internet.

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