Protect PDF
Encrypt PDFs with a password.
Real PDF encryption with a user password, optional owner password, and per-permission controls — all client-side.
Drop a PDF here, or click to browse
We'll encrypt it with a password in your browser
Files never uploaded
Processed entirely in your browser.
No retention
Nothing stored — nothing to delete.
Private by design
No accounts required, no tracking of your files.
Why creators choose FormatLayer
Fast, lossless processing
Preserves text, fonts, and vector graphics — no quality loss.
Works on every device
Drag, drop, and download from desktop or mobile. No installs, no plugins.
100% private by design
Everything runs locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
What you get with Protect PDF
- Standard PDF encryption (Acrobat-compatible)
- Optional owner password
- Per-permission controls (print, copy, modify)
- Runs entirely in your browser
Why people use it
Protect confidential documents before sharing
Restrict printing and copying
Password never leaves your device
How it works
- 1
Upload a PDF
- 2
Set a password and permissions
- 3
Download the encrypted PDF
When to use Protect PDF
- Password-protect an NDA before emailing
- Lock financial statements shared with clients
- Restrict copy/paste on distributed training material
Who uses Protect PDF?
From classrooms to legal desks, here's how different teams put Protect PDF to work every day.
Legal Professionals
Password-protect NDAs, settlement drafts, and privileged memos before emailing.
Accountants
Encrypt tax returns and financial statements shared with clients.
HR Teams
Lock salary letters and performance reviews before sending to employees.
Businesses
Restrict copy and print on distributed pricing sheets and internal reports.
Government Offices
Encrypt sensitive intake forms before storing or sharing across departments.
Freelancers
Protect deliverables so clients can view but not redistribute source PDFs.
Engineers
Encrypt proprietary drawings and specs before sending to external vendors.
Pro tips
- Use a passphrase (4+ random words) over a short password
- Share the password over a different channel than the file
- Everything runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded, so it's safe for confidential, financial, and legal PDFs.
Best practices
- Combine Protect with Watermark for maximum leak deterrence
- Keep the unencrypted master in a secure local vault
Common mistakes to avoid
- Emailing the password in the same message as the file
- Using a password you'll forget — there's no recovery