Can I protect a PDF for free?
Yes. Protect PDF is free to use directly in your browser.
Free online PDF tool
Add a real password to a PDF with local browser encryption and no file upload.
Drop files here or choose files. Upload one unlocked PDF file and add a password locally in your browser.
Your PDF is encrypted locally in your browser. Your password and file are never uploaded.
Private by DesignUse at least 6 characters. A stronger password mixes uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols.
Keep working with tools that match this PDF workflow.
Remove PDF passwords when you have permission.
Add text or image watermarks to every PDF page.
Rebuild PDFs with safe browser-side compression.
Combine multiple PDF files into one document.
Add a signature to a PDF document.
LiftPDF uses QPDF compiled to WebAssembly to apply real PDF password encryption locally in your browser. Your file and password are never uploaded to a server.
Yes. Protect PDF is free to use directly in your browser.
No. Your PDF stays on your device and is encrypted locally in the browser.
Yes. LiftPDF runs the encryption engine in your browser and does not send your password to a backend.
You can remove a PDF password later with an unlock tool if you know the correct password.
Yes. The exported file uses real PDF password encryption and requires the password when opened in PDF viewers.