Free tool

Protect PDF Tool

Password protect PDFs online — add an open password and download an encrypted copy. Free, private, and local in your browser.

Loading tool…

Everything you need in a free PDF password protector

Add a PDF password

Password-protect PDFs so viewers need your open password before they can read the document.

Keep text and layout

Pages are encrypted as real PDF content — selectable text, vectors, and layout stay intact.

100% browser-based

Encryption runs in your browser. Your document and password stay on your device — nothing is uploaded to Focera.

Drag & drop workflow

Drop a PDF up to 25 MB (50 pages), choose a password, protect, and download in a few clicks.

How It Works

Adding a password to a PDF should be quick and private. Focera keeps the whole flow on one page — upload, set a password, protect, and download without an account or desktop installer.

  1. Upload your PDF. Drag and drop an unprotected file up to 25 MB (max 50 pages), or click the zone to browse from your device.
  2. Choose a password. Enter and confirm the open password recipients will need. Use something memorable — Focera cannot recover it later.
  3. Protect and download. Encryption runs locally. Download the protected PDF and share the password separately.

Jump back to the PDF protector anytime to process another file.

Popular Use Cases

  • Share sensitive documents — Protect contracts, tax forms, or medical records before emailing them.
  • Secure client deliveries — Send invoices or reports that only the intended recipient can open.
  • Lock personal exports — Add a password to bank statements, tickets, or ID scans stored on shared drives.
  • Finish a PDF workflow — Merge, compress, or edit first, then protect the final file before sharing.

Private by Design

Your PDF and password are handled entirely in your browser. Focera does not receive the file, store the password, or run encryption on a remote server. When you leave the page, temporary state is discarded and nothing remains on our infrastructure.

Choose a strong password and share it through a separate channel. If you forget it, you will need Unlock PDF with the correct password to remove protection later.

  • Unlock PDF — Remove a password from a protected PDF when you know it.
  • Merge PDF — Combine files, then protect the merged result.
  • Compress PDF — Shrink file size before adding password protection.
  • Split PDF — Break a PDF into pages or ranges, then protect each part.
  • Password Generator — Create a strong random password to use with your PDF.
  • PDF Watermark — Stamp a mark on pages before locking the file.

FAQ

Is this PDF protector free?

Yes. Protect and download unlimited PDFs with no account, subscription, watermark, or daily limit.

Are my PDFs or passwords uploaded to a server?

No. Encryption runs entirely in your browser. Your file and password stay on your device.

What kind of password is added?

An open password. Recipients must enter it before they can view the PDF. Store it safely — Focera cannot recover forgotten passwords.

Will text and layout stay the same?

Yes. Pages are encrypted as real PDF pages — selectable text, vector graphics, and layout are preserved.

Is there a file size or page limit?

Yes. Upload PDFs up to 25 MB with a maximum of 50 pages per protect.

What if the PDF is already password-protected?

Unlock it first with Unlock PDF, then upload the unlocked copy to set a new password.

Do I need to install software?

No. Open the page in a modern browser, drop your PDF, set a password, and download immediately.

Need more PDF utilities?

Merge, split, compress, unlock, or convert PDFs — Focera keeps everyday tools fast, private, and free.

Browse all tools