How do I password protect a PDF?

Upload your PDF, type and confirm a password, then download the locked file. Anyone who opens it will need that password.

Is it free to lock a PDF?

Yes. You can use it for free within daily limits. For unlimited use, buy a $2.99 or $6.99 pass. There's no monthly plan.

How secure is a password-protected PDF?

An open password encrypts the file, so it can't be read without the password. How secure it is depends on the password itself, so use a long one that's hard to guess.

Does dragdropdo store my password?

No. It's used only to lock your file. Keep a copy somewhere safe, because it can't be recovered.

What happens if I forget the password?

The file can't be opened without it, and a lost password can't be recovered. Keep the original unprotected file, or save the password in a password manager.

Can I remove the password later?

Yes. Use Unlock PDF and enter the password to get back a PDF that opens normally.

Can I stop people printing or copying my PDF?

Permission limits can block printing, copying and editing, but some apps ignore them. For real protection, use an open password so the file can't be read at all without it.

Will the recipient need special software?

No. Standard PDF readers, including Adobe Acrobat Reader, Chrome, Edge and Apple Preview, ask for the password and then open the file.

Can I lock several PDFs with one password?

Combine them with Merge PDF and lock the merged file, or lock each file separately with the same password.

How long does dragdropdo keep my files?

Files are encrypted in transit and automatically deleted after 24 hours.

Does it work on iPhone, Android and Mac?

Yes. It runs in any modern browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad, with nothing to install.

Password Protect PDF Files Online for Free

Lock a PDF with a password so only the people you share it with can open it. Upload files up to 20GB and download the protected PDF in a few clicks.

Drag & drop the PDFs to protect

PDF files up to 20GB. You'll set the password on the next step.

Files stay private.

Automatically deleted after 24 hours.

Link 20GB upload limit.

4.8/5

Trusted for 1,826,856+ conversions

HOW IT WORKS

How to password protect a PDF in three steps

Add a password without installing anything.

Add your PDF

Drag and drop the PDF you want to protect, or select it from your device or Google Drive.

Set a password

Type a strong password and confirm it. Choose one you can share safely with the people who need the file.

Download the locked PDF

Download the protected file. Anyone who opens it will be asked for the password.

PDF PASSWORDS EXPLAINED

Open password vs permissions password

THE OTHER KIND

Permissions password

Also called an owner password. People can open and read the file, but printing, copying or editing is limited. Most PDF readers respect these limits, but some apps ignore them.

WHAT LOCK PDF ADDS

Open password

Also called a user password. The file is encrypted and can't be opened or read without the password, wherever it's saved, forwarded or uploaded.

	Permissions password	Open password
Also called	Owner password	User password, document open password
Needed to open the file	No	Yes
What it controls	Printing, copying and editing	Who can read the file at all
Can be bypassed	Yes, some apps ignore it	Not without the password
Best for	Discouraging casual copying	Confidential documents
Works in	Most PDF readers	Any standard PDF reader

USE CASES

Use cases for password protecting a PDF

When a file shouldn't be readable by anyone who happens to get hold of it.

Send payslips and HR letters

Protect payslips, offer letters and contracts before they go out by email.

Share financial statements

Lock bank statements, tax returns and invoices that show account details.

Protect client files

Add a password to legal, medical or accounting documents you share with clients.

Circulate contracts privately

Keep draft agreements private while they're being reviewed.

Store ID documents safely

Lock scans of passports, IDs and certificates before saving them to the cloud.

Send confidential reports

Protect board papers, pitch decks and internal reports that leave the company.

Distribute paid guides

Lock ebooks, course notes or templates so only buyers with the password can read them.

Keep exam papers private

Protect tests and marking schemes until they're needed.

Handle personal data with care

Add a password to documents with names, addresses or ID numbers before sharing them.

Protect files on shared devices

Lock documents kept on a shared computer, USB drive or team folder.

SUPPORTED FILES

Which files can I password protect?

Any standard PDF works. Other documents just need converting first.

Keep a copy of your password somewhere safe. A lost password can't be recovered, by us or anyone else.

PDF files

Upload any standard PDF up to 20GB.

Scanned documents

Scanned PDFs lock the same way as any other PDF.

Several PDFs

Combine them with Merge PDF first, then lock the merged file with one password.

Word files or images

Convert them with DOCX to PDF or JPG to PDF, then add a password.

PDFs that already have a password

Remove the current one with Unlock PDF, then lock the file with a new password.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Locked PDF not working as expected?

Most problems come down to which copy is being opened, or how the password was typed.

It opens without asking for a password

You're probably opening the original file. Open the copy you just downloaded instead.

The password isn't accepted

Passwords are case-sensitive. Check Caps Lock, and watch for spaces copied at the start or end.

I've forgotten the password

It can't be recovered. If you still have the original unprotected file, lock it again with a new password.

The recipient can't open it on a phone

Some email previews don't support passwords. Ask them to open the file in a PDF app or browser instead.

The file won't upload

It may already have a password, or be damaged. Unlock it first, or check that it opens on your device.

How should I send the password?

Send it a different way from the file, such as a text message or a call, rather than in the same email.

COMPARISON

dragdropdo vs. desktop PDF editors

Desktop editors are built for full document editing. dragdropdo is built for protecting a file quickly, from any device.

What matters	dragdropdo	Desktop PDF editors
Nothing to install	✓Yes. Runs in any modern browser.	~Usually a download, and often an account.
Works on phones and tablets	✓Yes. Desktop, Android, iPhone and iPad.	~Mobile apps are often limited or paid.
Large files	✓Up to 20GB per file.	~Limited by your device and the app.
Share the result	✓Yes. Send a share link or QR code from the result page.	~You upload and share the file yourself.
Pricing	✓Free with daily limits. $2.99 or $6.99 passes for unlimited use, no monthly plan.	~Often a monthly or yearly subscription.
Detailed permission settings	✓Focused on adding an open password.	~Full editors offer fine-grained print, copy and edit controls.

Other tools use different pricing, limits and workflows. This comparison describes dragdropdo's own features without assuming every other tool works the same way.

1.8M+

Files converted

and counting

4.8

Average rating

from our users

~4s

Avg. conversion

per file

Files kept

Auto-delete in 24h

WHY DRAGDROPDO

Built to be quick, safe, and free

Protect PDFs in the browser with a simple workflow designed for privacy and fast handoff.

Private by default

Files are encrypted in transit and automatically removed after 24 hours.

No install required

Works in your browser on any device, with no desktop app and no sign-up wall to get started.

Cloud import

Pull files from Google Drive and keep working without downloading them first.

Share and download

Download the result, or hand it off with a share link or QR code.

MORE PDF TOOLS

Explore our other PDF tools

A password-protected PDF keeps its layout and content exactly as it was, and only opens for people who have the password. Need to do more with your file? Merge, compress or convert it with the tools below.

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