Protect PDF
Apply real PDF permissions to block printing, copying, editing, and more.
Drag and drop a PDF here, or click to select
Maximum file size: 50 MB
A practical guide to Protect PDF
Protect PDF can require an open password and set PDF permission flags for printing, copying, editing, annotations, forms, accessibility extraction, and assembly. The result is encrypted in the browser.
Example: distribute a read-only draft
Set an open password if access must be restricted, disable modification and copying, retain accessibility extraction when appropriate, and share the password separately.
Task-specific steps
- 1
Choose the PDF and, when it is already encrypted, provide its current password.
- 2
Set an optional open password and review each permission instead of accepting a blanket preset.
- 3
Download the protected PDF, reopen it in the intended viewer, and verify both the password and allowed actions.
Options that affect the result
- An open password controls who can decrypt and view the document.
- Individual permission flags describe allowed printing, copying, modification, annotations, forms, accessibility, and assembly.
Limitations to know first
- PDF permission flags rely on reader software to honor them and are not a substitute for controlling access to sensitive data.
- A forgotten open password cannot be recovered by the site; retain an unprotected original securely.
Questions specific to this task
What is the difference between an open password and PDF permissions?
The open password encrypts access to the document. Permission settings tell compatible readers which actions should be allowed after the file is opened.
Should accessibility extraction be disabled?
Usually not unless policy requires it. Disabling accessibility extraction can prevent assistive technology from reading document text.