100% Free · No Signup · Browser-based

🔒 Lock PDF with Password
Protect Instantly

Add a password to any PDF for free. All encryption happens locally — your file never leaves your device.

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Drag & Drop a PDF to Lock

Or click to browse · Single PDF file

Choose PDF File
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🔐 Set Password & Permissions

Password strength will show here
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✅ PDF locked successfully!

Why Use Our PDF Lock Tool?

Professional-grade PDF encryption right in your browser.

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AES Encryption

Passwords are applied using AES-128/256 encryption through pdf-lib, the same standard used by professional PDF tools.

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Zero Server Contact

Your PDF and password never leave your device. All operations are 100% client-side for maximum privacy.

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Permission Control

Choose exactly what viewers can do — printing, copying, editing, and annotations can all be individually controlled.

Instant & Free

No signup, no limits, no waiting. Lock any PDF with a password in seconds, completely free.

How It Works

Lock PDF in 3 Simple Steps

1

Upload PDF

Drag and drop your PDF or click to browse and select the file you want to protect.

2

Set Password

Enter a strong password and choose optional permission settings like printing and copying.

3

Download

Click "Lock PDF" and instantly download your password-protected PDF file.

Frequently Asked Questions

What encryption is used when locking?
PDF-lib uses AES-based encryption to secure the document. This provides strong, industry-standard protection for your PDF files.
What is the difference between User Password and Owner Password?
The User Password is required to open the PDF. The Owner Password (optional) controls permissions — it lets you set who can print, copy, or edit the file even after they've opened it.
Is my password safe? Does it get sent anywhere?
Absolutely safe. Everything runs in your browser — your password and your PDF file are never transmitted to any server. Zero data leaves your device.
Can I unlock the PDF later?
Yes! Use our Unlock PDF tool to remove the password anytime, as long as you know the password you set.

Lock & Password Protect PDF — Complete Guide

Adding a password to a PDF prevents unauthorized access and protects sensitive information. Whether you are sharing a confidential report, a signed contract, or private financial data, our free PDF locker adds AES encryption directly in your browser.

💡 Use a strong password

Combine uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols for maximum security. Avoid simple words or birthdates.

💡 Store your password safely

Once locked, a PDF cannot be opened without the correct password. Store it in a password manager or secure notes.

💡 Lock before sharing

Always lock your PDF before sending via email or cloud storage to ensure only the intended recipient can open it.

💡 User vs owner password

User passwords restrict opening. Owner passwords restrict editing and printing. Set both for maximum control.

PDF password protection uses AES-128 or AES-256 encryption depending on the PDF version. Our tool implements the PDF encryption specification directly in the browser using PDF-lib.js, meaning your document content is encrypted before it ever reaches a download. This ensures that even if someone intercepts the file during transfer, they cannot access its contents without the password you set.

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