Free tool · Windows and macOS
Lock a PDF with a password.
Encrypt a PDF so only people with the password can open it, and decide whether they can print, copy or change it.
How to password protect a PDF with Paperwing
- Open Paperwing and drop your PDF on the window, or press Ctrl+O (⌘O on a Mac).
- Open All tools and choose Protect PDF, or type “protect pdf” in the search box. Shift+Ctrl+P finds any tool from anywhere.
- Enter a password. Optionally set an owner password and permissions.
- Run it. The encrypted PDF opens in a new tab.
- Save it with Shift+Ctrl+S, and send the password separately from the file.
What you can do
- Encrypt with strong AES encryption
- Set permissions for printing, copying and editing with Change Permissions
- Remove a password you know with Unlock PDF
- Add a digital signature to show the file hasn’t been changed
Why do it on your computer
Protecting a file on a website means sending it unencrypted first. Paperwing encrypts it before it ever leaves your computer.
Paperwing is a free, open-source desktop app for Windows and macOS with more than 100 PDF tools. It works offline, there’s no account, and every tool is free. Download it or browse all the tools.
Questions
Can Paperwing open a PDF if I forgot the password?
No. Unlock PDF removes a password you already know; it doesn’t crack passwords.
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