Apply real cryptographic encryption to your PDF — not a watermark. The output requires a password to open in any PDF reader.
Works with all PDF versions, including modern PDFs with cross-reference streams
Applies AES-128/256 standard PDF encryption using a fully spec-compliant
PDF engine that supports every PDF version — including modern PDFs with
cross-reference streams (the kind produced by Chrome, Word, and most apps today).
The output PDF will prompt for a password in every PDF reader.
All processing stays 100% in your browser — your file is never uploaded.
This tool applies genuine PDF Standard Security Handler encryption (AES) using a maintained fork of pdf-lib built specifically for this — not a cosmetic watermark that a determined viewer could ignore. The output file will prompt for a password in every standard PDF reader, including Adobe Reader, Preview, and browser-based viewers. Alongside your chosen password, the tool also sets document permissions — restricting printing to low resolution and disabling copying and editing by default — secured with a separately generated owner password.
AES-based PDF encryption, not a watermark — the file genuinely cannot be opened without the password.
Printing, copying, and editing are restricted by default alongside the password requirement.
Your file and the password you set are processed entirely locally — never transmitted anywhere.
There's no recovery option — the file becomes permanently unreadable, including by us. Store the password somewhere reliable before closing the tab.
It's real, standards-compliant PDF encryption. Any PDF reader will require the correct password before displaying the document's content.
Not directly — remove the existing password first using a PDF reader, then apply a new password with this tool.
Four characters is the technical minimum, but for genuinely sensitive documents, use a longer, unique password rather than the bare minimum.