Upload the PDF
Add the file you want to protect.
Protect PDF
Add password protection to a PDF locally.
Encrypt a PDF in the browser when you need a password-gated file.
Protect PDF is for the practical case where you already have a finished document and want to gate access with a password before sending it onward.
The workflow is honest about scope: it applies password protection locally, but it is not positioned as a compliance platform or a substitute for wider document governance.
Runs in your browserNo server uploadsPrivate by design
Job summary
Preflight- Source files
- 0
- Total pages
- 0
- Selected pages
- 0
- Estimated output
- 0 B
Encrypt a PDF in the browser when you need a password-gated file.
Output file name: —
Preflight
Add files to begin.
How it works
Step-by-step tool workflow
Enter the password
Choose a password you can store safely outside the tool.
Download the protected PDF
PDFre generates an encrypted PDF for download.
Why it feels trustworthy
- The core processing flow runs locally in your browser.
- You can review files or pages before downloading the result.
- The page copy explains browser-only edge cases instead of hiding them.
Known limits
- Use a password you can manage safely because recovery is not part of the workflow.
- This page is for password protection, not broader rights-management claims.
Common questions
Does PDFre keep a copy of my password?
No. The password is used locally in the browser for the protection workflow and is not stored by the product.
Can I recover a forgotten password later?
No. Use a password you can store safely. The product does not provide password recovery.
Related tools
More PDF tools to keep moving
Related guides
Guides that go with this task
Protect PDF guide
How to Password Protect a PDF
Use password protection when the file should open only for people who know the password and you want a simple browser-first workflow.
Unlock PDF guideHow to Unlock a PDF
Use unlock when the document is protected but you need a normal working copy for merging, extraction, or another follow-up task.