A password-protected PDF requires a password to open, just like a locked document. The password isn't stored anywhere — if you lose it, the file is effectively lost too. Choose one you can share and recover.
Steps
1. Open /protect-pdf.
2. Upload the PDF.
3. Type the password. At least 8 characters mixing letters, numbers and symbols — a passphrase (three unrelated words) is a good balance of memorable and strong.
4. Press Protect PDF.
5. Share the file. Send the password separately, ideally through a different channel.
How safe is a PDF password
Modern PDF encryption is strong — the password cannot be brute-forced in a reasonable time when it's long enough. A short password (say 4 characters) can be cracked. Every extra character makes an attack exponentially harder.
The right way to share the password
Never send the password in the same email as the encrypted PDF. Anyone who intercepts the email gets both. Send the file by email, and the password by SMS, WhatsApp, phone call, or another channel.
Related workflows
Removing a password from a file you have permission to open: use Unlock PDF.
Watermarking as a lighter deterrent: use Watermark PDF. Watermarks aren't security — they signal 'confidential' but don't stop reading.
Redacting sensitive parts: use Redact PDF to permanently remove content, so a password is not needed for that section.
Password protection is the right choice when you want to control who opens a file. Choose a strong password, share it separately, and don't rely on it as the only line of defence for anything highly sensitive.