Add password and restrict permissions. AES-256 encrypted in your browser — files never sent to a server.
Need to add a password to a PDF or encrypt PDF online? PDFree lets you lock PDF files with 256-bit AES encryption using a password of your choice — no upload, no account, no signup. The encryption happens entirely in your browser — your password and your document are never sent to any server, not even PDFree's.
Click Choose files or drag your PDF into the drop zone. The file is loaded into browser memory only.
Type the password you want to use. The stronger the password (12+ characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols), the harder it is to brute-force. The password never leaves your device.
Click Protect PDF. The encrypted PDF is generated in your browser and downloaded immediately. Share it with confidence — only someone with the password can open it.
Before emailing a signed contract to a counterparty, add password protection. Share the password by phone or a separate channel to prevent anyone who intercepts the email from reading it.
Bank statements, tax returns, and payslips contain sensitive personal data. Encrypt them before storing in cloud folders shared with others or sending to accountants.
Patient records, performance reviews, and HR documents should be restricted to authorized readers. Password encryption adds a layer of access control.
Passport scans, ID copies, and birth certificates are prime targets for identity theft. Encrypt before storing in cloud storage or sending by email.
| Tool | Encryption standard | Daily limit | Privacy | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PDFree | 256-bit AES | No limit | No upload — key stays on device | Free forever |
| iLovePDF | 128-bit or 256-bit | Daily limit | Uploaded to servers | Free / $6+/mo |
| SmallPDF | Not specified | 2 tasks/day | Uploaded to servers | Free / $9+/mo |
| Adobe Acrobat | 256-bit AES | 2/month free | Uploaded to servers | $19.99/mo |
PDFree uses 256-bit AES encryption, the same standard used by banks and government agencies. It is the highest level of PDF encryption defined in the PDF specification (PDF 2.0 / PDF 1.7).
AES-256 is practically uncrackable by brute force. Use a strong, unique password for best security.
Yes — upload the encrypted PDF, enter the current password, leave the new password field empty, and save. This produces an unprotected version of the file.
Yes. PDFree produces standard-compliant encrypted PDFs that open in Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, macOS Preview, and all modern PDF viewers.
Yes. The entire encryption process runs in your browser using pdf-lib. Your password and document are never transmitted to any server — PDFree literally cannot see them.
Currently PDFree sets an owner password that restricts opening the document. Separate user/owner permissions (controlling printing, copying, editing) are on the roadmap.
PDFree is a free online PDF password tool — add password to PDF, encrypt PDF online, or remove passwords — all with no signup, no upload, and no installation. Your sensitive documents are encrypted locally in your browser using AES-256 encryption. The protected PDF downloads instantly and works in any PDF viewer.