About the Protect PDF
Encrypting a document before it leaves your control is one of the clearest technical safeguards you can apply to it. Both UK GDPR and the EU GDPR name encryption explicitly in Article 32 as an example of an appropriate technical measure, and US frameworks including HIPAA treat it as a recognised way to reduce the impact of a document going astray.
This tool applies AES-256 encryption with an open password using qpdf compiled to WebAssembly. The encryption runs inside your browser, so the document and the password you choose are both handled locally. The resulting file requires the password in any standards-compliant PDF reader.
It's part of the PDF collection on Toolzy, a growing platform of 135+ free, privacy-first tools built for speed and a great experience on every device.
Also known as: encrypt, pdf, password, lock.
Why use the Protect PDF?
- No watermarks on your output
- Handles multi-page and large PDFs
- Keeps your original formatting and quality
- Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iPhone
When to use it
- Preparing documents for email or printing
- Combining scanned pages or invoices
- Reducing file size to meet upload limits
How to use the Protect PDF
- Open the Protect PDF. Open the Protect PDF on this page, there is nothing to install and no account needed.
- Add your input. Add your file by clicking the upload area or dragging it in. It is read on your device, not uploaded.
- Adjust options. Choose any options you need, the Protect PDF updates instantly.
- Get your result. Click the action button to download or copy your result. It is 100% free.