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Password-protect a PDF

Updated 2026-10-11

Lock a PDF with a password using AES-256 encryption. Choose whether people can print or copy text. Nothing is uploaded. A free Docmend tool that runs in your browser. The same PDF tools are in the Docmend Chrome extension.

Files stay on your computer. Free, with no limits.
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How to password-protect a PDF

  1. Choose the PDF.
  2. Type a password twice and choose what’s allowed.
  3. Click Protect with password.

Common questions

How strong is the protection?

The PDF is encrypted with AES-256, the strongest standard PDF encryption. The file can’t be opened without the password.

What if I forget the password?

Docmend never sees or stores it, so it can’t be recovered. Keep a copy of the original or note the password somewhere safe.

See also how to merge, compress or protect a PDF without uploading it.

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