Protect PDF with a Password AES-256, Free
Lock PDFs so only people with the password can open them, or let anyone read but stop printing, copying and editing. Strong AES-256 encryption, applied on your device.
Drop your PDFs here
or choose several files from your computer or phone
Free plan: files up to 50 MB and 200 pages each. Encrypted in your browser, not uploaded.
- AES-256
- No upload
- No sign-up
- Works on phones
How it works
How to password-protect a PDF in 3 steps
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1
Choose your PDFs
Drop them on the box above or tap Select PDF files.
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2
Set a password and permissions
Type a password, or choose Restrict editing only. Untick what people shouldn't be able to do.
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3
Download the protected files
Click Protect PDF, then download. Keep your password somewhere safe.
Two kinds of protection
Lock it, or just stop changes
Decide who can open the file and what they can do with it, with the strongest encryption PDFs support.
Password to open
Nobody can open the PDF without the password. Encrypted with AES-256.
Open passwordRestrict editing only
Anyone can read the file, but can't print, copy or change it in the ways you block.
No open passwordControl printing
Allow full printing, low-quality printing only, or none at all.
PrintingStop copying and editing
Block copying text and images, editing, comments, form filling, or adding and removing pages.
PermissionsPermissions password
Set your own, or let Raha create a strong one so restrictions can't be lifted.
Owner passwordSeveral files at once
Give a whole batch the same password and permissions in one go.
BatchStep-by-step guides
Guides for protecting PDFs
How to password-protect a PDF
- Open your PDF in the protector and keep Password to open selected.
- Type a password and repeat it. The meter shows how strong it is: aim for 12+ characters with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
- Click Protect PDF and download. The file is named …-protected.pdf.
- Store the password safely. A strong AES-256 password can't be recovered if it's lost.
How to stop people editing or printing a PDF
- Choose Restrict editing only.
- Set Printing to Not allowed or Low quality only, and untick copying or editing.
- Protect and share. People can open and read the file without a password.
Which permissions can I control?
- Printing: allowed, low quality only, or not allowed.
- Copying text and images, editing the content, adding comments and filling in forms.
- Page assembly: adding, removing or rotating pages.
- Restrictions are enforced by PDF readers such as Adobe Acrobat, Chrome and Edge. Some non-standard apps may ignore them.
What the permissions password does
- The permissions (owner) password is the only way to lift the restrictions.
- Leave it empty and Raha generates a long random one that nobody knows, so the restrictions stay for good.
- Set your own if you'll need to change the permissions later.
How to protect several PDFs at once
- Select several PDFs, or use Add files.
- Set the password and permissions once. They apply to every file.
- Download them together as a ZIP.
How Raha compares
Strong encryption without uploading
You protect a PDF because it's sensitive. Raha encrypts it on your device, so the unprotected file is never sent anywhere.
| Feature | Raha Tools | iLovePDF | Sejda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where your PDF is processed | Your device | Their servers | Their servers |
| Encryption | AES-256 always | Not stated | RC4 128 to AES-256 |
| Restrict printing, copying, editing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low-quality printing only | Yes | — | Yes |
| Several files at once | Yes | Yes | Paid plans |
Based on each tool's public protect or encrypt page, checked October 2026. "—" means we couldn't find the option there. Features change, so check their sites for the latest.
Use cases
What people protect PDFs for
Payslips and statements
Send financial documents that only the right person can open.
Contracts and legal files
Stop edits to a final agreement while still letting people read it.
HR and personal data
Protect CVs, ID copies and medical letters before emailing them.
Paid content
Block copying and printing of e-books, courses and reports.
Exams and answer keys
Share papers that can be opened only when you give out the password.
Batches of documents
Protect many files at once with the same password.
FAQ
Protect PDF questions, answered
How do I put a password on a PDF for free?
Open your PDF, type a password twice, click Protect PDF, then download. There's no sign-up and no watermark.
How secure is it?
Raha uses AES-256, the strongest encryption in the PDF standard. With a long, unique password, the file can't realistically be opened without it.
Can I stop people printing or copying without a password to open?
Yes. Choose Restrict editing only, then block printing, copying, editing, comments, form filling or page changes.
What is the permissions password?
It's a second password that lifts the restrictions. Leave it empty and Raha creates a strong random one, so nobody can remove the restrictions.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Encryption runs in your web browser, so the unprotected PDF never leaves your device.
What if I forget the password?
An AES-256 password can't be recovered or reset, by us or anyone else. Keep a copy somewhere safe, such as a password manager.
Can I protect several PDFs at once?
Yes. Add several files and they all get the same password and permissions.
How do I remove the password later?
Use Unlock PDF with the password to save an unprotected copy.
Is Protect PDF free?
Yes. The free plan needs no account and adds no watermark. It includes 3 tasks per hour, with files up to 50 MB and 200 pages. The Pro plan removes the limits.
Ready to lock your PDF?
Add a password in seconds. The file never leaves your device.
Protect a PDF now