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Protect PDF

Password-protect a PDF file to restrict access.

Password-protect a PDF file to restrict access.

Accepts:PDF→Outputs:PDF
Quick start: Upload the PDF you want to protect by dropping it onto the upload area. → Enter a strong password that recipients will need to open the document. → Confirm the password to prevent typos that would lock you out.

Supported formats

Input formats
PDF
Output formats
PDF

How to use Protect PDF

  1. 1

    Upload the PDF you want to protect by dropping it onto the upload area.

  2. 2

    Enter a strong password that recipients will need to open the document.

  3. 3

    Confirm the password to prevent typos that would lock you out.

  4. 4

    Click 'Protect' and download the password-encrypted PDF.

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Why use Protect PDF?

  • AES-256 encryption via pdf-lib provides strong protection for sensitive documents.
  • Recipients must enter the correct password to view the file, preventing unauthorized access.
  • Runs entirely in your browser — your documents and passwords are never sent to a server.
  • No watermarks, no sign-up, and no usage limits.

Common use cases

  • Password-protect contracts, NDAs, and legal documents before emailing them to signers.
  • Secure financial reports, tax documents, and invoices that contain sensitive information.
  • Protect academic papers and proprietary research before sharing with reviewers.
  • Add a layer of access control to employee records and HR documents.

Limitations & things to know

  • Uses AES-256 encryption via pdf-lib
  • Already-encrypted PDFs must be unlocked before re-protecting

About Protect PDF

Password-protecting a PDF is essential when sharing sensitive documents like contracts, financial reports, tax records, and legal filings. Xevon Tools' Protect PDF tool adds AES-256 encryption to your PDF directly in your browser — your document and password are never sent to a server. Recipients must enter the correct password to view the file, preventing unauthorized access. The encryption standard is the same one used by government agencies and financial institutions, providing robust protection against brute-force attacks. The process is simple: upload your PDF, enter and confirm a password, and download the protected file. If you need to remove the protection later, use the companion Unlock PDF tool with the original password. Always store your passwords securely, because there is no recovery mechanism for AES-256 encrypted files.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Use the Unlock PDF tool to remove password protection, as long as you know the current password. The tool does not crack encryption — you must provide the correct password.
The tool uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same standard used by government agencies and financial institutions. It provides strong protection against brute-force attacks.
Currently the tool sets a single user password required to open the document. Separate owner passwords for restricting printing and editing permissions are planned for a future update.
There is no way to recover a forgotten password. AES-256 encryption is designed to be unbreakable without the key. Always store your passwords in a password manager.

Your files never leave your device

Every tool on Xevon Tools runs 100% in your browser. No uploads, no servers, no tracking. Free forever.

Learn more

Embed Protect PDF on your site

Add this tool to your own website, blog, or internal tool page with one line of code. Free to use, no attribution required (but appreciated).

<iframe src="https://www.xevontools.com/embed/protect-pdf" width="100%" height="640" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:12px;" title="Protect PDF — Xevon Tools"></iframe>
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