Protect or Unlock a PDF with a Password
One screen for both directions: drop in an open PDF to set a password on it, or drop in a password-protected PDF and enter its password to remove it. The file is checked and processed entirely in your browser.
Good to know: There's no password recovery. Protecting a PDF here only works if you remember the password you set — there's no server to reset it from.
How it works
Drop in one PDF. It is checked immediately for an existing password.
Enter a password: a new one to protect an open file, or the existing one to unlock a protected file.
Download the result. Page content and layout are otherwise unchanged.
Common uses
- Adding a password to a contract or financial statement before emailing it
- Removing a password from a scanned form you already know the password to, so it can be edited or merged elsewhere
- Protecting a PDF of tax or medical records before sharing a copy
- Unlocking a PDF you password-protected yourself so it can be searched or printed freely again
Choosing a password when you protect a PDF
One password both opens the file and grants full access to it — there's no separate owner password or per-permission control in this version. Pick something you'll actually remember.
The same password does both jobs
Whoever opens the file with this password can read, print, and copy from it freely — it restricts opening the file, not what happens after.
Unlocking needs the exact password
There's no partial match or hint. An incorrect password is rejected immediately so you can try again without re-selecting the file.
Everything else stays as it was
Unlocking resaves the same document rather than rebuilding it, so bookmarks, form fields, and layout are preserved exactly.
Frequently asked questions
What if I forget the password I set?
It can't be recovered here. Processing happens entirely in your browser with no server involved, so there's nothing to reset it from — keep the password somewhere safe.
How strong is the protection?
Files are encrypted with AES-256, the current standard for PDF password protection and the default pdf-lib uses.
What happens if I enter the wrong password to unlock a file?
You'll see an error and can try again immediately — the file stays selected, so you don't need to drop it in again.
Is there a size limit?
200 MB per file.
Does protecting or unlocking change the content of my PDF?
No. Pages, text, images, bookmarks, and form fields are left exactly as they were — only the password is added or removed.
Can I remove print or copy restrictions without knowing a password?
Not with this tool. It expects the PDF's actual open password. A file that only restricts printing or copying, with no password required to open it, is a different kind of protection this tool doesn't edit.