How to password protect your PDF for free
Imagine you’ve got an important file with sensitive data – it needs protection, with restricted access granted to specific people. That’s where Adobe comes in. Create a PDF password in four simple steps. All you need to do is:
- Upload a PDF by clicking the Select a file button or by dragging it into the drop zone.
- Enter a password, then retype to confirm it.
- Click Set password.
- Download the password-protected PDF document or sign into your free Adobe Acrobat account to share it with others.
Try our free PDF password protection tool
When you password protect a PDF, you keep sensitive information secure, giving you control over who can access it. It also helps ensure your documents comply with GDPR and other data protection standards, providing peace of mind when sharing files.
Password protect PDF files in just a few clicks
Use the free online PDF password protection tool from Adobe Acrobat to keep your files secure. Simply click ‘Add a Password’ to encrypt your PDF and restrict access to only those you authorize.
Protect sensitive content in your PDF
Handling personally identifiable information like dates of birth or addresses? Password protect your PDF using our free online tools to ensure only those you authorise can access the document. This is crucial if you want to ensure you’re compliant with GDPR guidelines.
Restrict unauthorised people from accessing your PDF file
Want to make sure your files are locked down to unauthorised viewers? Use our free Adobe Acrobat online tools to password protect your PDF and keep prying eyes locked out. Only those you’ve permitted can access your PDF file.
Create a strong password for your PDF
Passwords should be strong and secure – otherwise what's the point? Create a password to protect a PDF for free using Adobe Acrobat online tools and we'll use established standards to tell you whether it's up to scratch.
No need to install any software
Need to get to work fast? With Adobe Acrobat, all you need to access our online PDF tools is the internet. Launch Google Chrome or Safari and get to work. Drag, drop and away you go. Forget about downloading additional software.
PDF password security you can trust
Adobe created the PDF. As the inventor and pioneer of this file format, we know best how to keep it safe and secure. Password-protect your PDF documents for free using Adobe Acrobat online tools for added peace of mind.
Questions? We have answers.
A password protected PDF is a simple way to restrict who access to sensitive information. Adding a password to a PDF ensures that only those with the code can access it. It’s great for safeguarding sensitive customer data, ensuring privacy, and creating trust. Some examples of password protected PDFs:
- Client proposals for account leads/strategy management
- Financial reports only for the relevant stakeholders
- Restricting access to policy documents
- Employer contracts
Passwords should always be unique. Try to make the password long. Don't use any personal information or the type of everyday words someone may be able to guess.
Assembling seemingly random words with zero connection can be one idea. And try to increase its complexity with numbers and special characters.
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