How to Password Protect a PDF — Free and Private
Whether it's a contract, a payslip, or a personal document — adding a password to a PDF takes 30 seconds and ensures only the right people can open it. Here's how to do it for free, without uploading your file anywhere.
Protect your PDF with a password — free, instant, private
Protect PDF Free →How to add a password to a PDF
- Open Protect PDF on RightPDFKit.
- Upload your PDF (drag & drop or click to browse).
- Enter a strong password — mix letters, numbers and symbols.
- Click Protect & Download. Done.
The protected PDF uses 128-bit AES encryption — the same standard used in banking and enterprise software. Anyone attempting to open it without the password will be blocked.
Is my file safe to encrypt here?
Yes — RightPDFKit encrypts your PDF entirely inside your browser using JavaScript and the PDF-lib library. Your file is never uploaded to any server. The encryption happens on your device and the protected PDF downloads directly to you.
How to create a strong PDF password
- Use at least 12 characters
- Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
- Avoid common words, names or dates
- Store it in a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden)
How to remove a password from a PDF
Use the Unlock PDF tool — upload the protected PDF, enter the correct password, and download an unprotected version. Only someone who knows the password can remove it.
What if I forget my PDF password?
If you forget the password, the PDF cannot be recovered — that's the nature of strong encryption. Always store passwords somewhere safe before protecting important documents.
Add a password to your PDF now
Open Protect PDF →