protect-pdf
Adobe Acrobat

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How to password protect a PDF file

Follow these steps on how to password-protect your PDF files online for free:

A document pointing to a lock to show how to encrypt a PDF file, representing password protection for PDF
  1. Click on the "Select a file" button above or drag and drop a PDF file into the drop zone.
  2. Enter a strong password and retype it to confirm.
  3. Click on "Set password".
  4. Once done, you can download the password-protected PDF document or sign in to share it with others.

Secure PDFs with our password protection tool

A PDF file with a lock representing a password protected PDF

Add PDF password lock for free

Add PDF password protection with the Adobe Acrobat online tool for free. By adding a password to your PDF file, you can limit access and only allow people with the password to view the file content.

A badge with a lock representing protected content

Maintain confidentiality of content

By password-protecting a document, you can make sure that sensitive data like birth dates or medical information is accessible only to approved people and remains unavailable to everyone else.

A lock with a no symbol showing how you can restrict unauthorised access to your PDF

Restrict unauthorised access

When you password protect a PDF, you control file access. For someone to open the file, you'll need to give them the password, keeping your content private and safe.

A PDF with a scale showing that you can choose your password strength

Strengthen your password

At Adobe, we take security protocols very seriously. To ensure your file is well protected, we’ll let you know if your password is weak, medium or strong.

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Eliminate the need to install software

Our compatible Acrobat online PDF tools work in any browser, including Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Just drag and drop a file to get started — there’s no need to install any additional software.

A PDF protected with trusted password security

Choose trusted PDF security with Adobe

As the inventor of the PDF file format, Adobe delivers document security you can rely on. Password-protect your PDFs with confidence and try our services today.

When to use the password protection tool

Protecting confidential business reports and financial documents

Safeguard your private financial and business reports using Adobe Acrobat's password protection tool. You can prevent unwanted access and practice data privacy by creating a strong password of your PDF bank statements, invoices, and more.

Securing personal documents

You can protect your personal information, like tax forms, medical records, and Aadhaar cards, by utilising robust encryption features. The password protection feature offers a dependable method of safeguarding your most confidential documents.

Restrict access to legal documents. Make a file password protected by following the steps above.

Questions about password-protected PDFs? We have answers.

More resources

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