Tool — Security

Protect & Unlock PDF

Name: Protect PDF — PDFZero
Author: PDFZero

Add password protection with custom permissions, or remove a password you already know. 100% local — your file is never sent to any server.

Click to choose or drag a PDF here

Local only · Free · No account

doc.pdf

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Set password

User password (required to open)

Owner password (optional — for permissions control)

Permissions (what others can do after opening)

✓

Allow printing

✓

Allow copying text

✓

Allow editing

✓

Allow annotations

doc.pdf

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⚠️ PDFZero can only remove passwords that you already know. We do not crack or brute-force passwords.

Enter the current password

Done ✓

How to use the Protect & Unlock PDF tool

PDFZero adds AES-256 password protection to a PDF, or removes a password you already know — entirely in your browser. Custom permissions (like restricting printing or copying) can be applied as well. Your password and document never leave your device.

Steps

Click the drop zone above and choose your PDF.
Choose whether to add a password (with optional permission restrictions) or remove an existing one.
Enter the password and click apply.
Download the protected or unlocked PDF.

Why use this tool?

Password-protecting a PDF keeps sensitive contracts, financial records, or personal documents safe from unauthorized viewing. Removing a password you own is useful when you no longer need the extra protection and want easier access.

Frequently asked questions

Is AES-256 encryption strong enough for sensitive documents?

Yes, AES-256 is a widely trusted, industry-standard encryption algorithm used to protect everything from corporate documents to government data.

Is my password sent to a server?

No. Both adding and removing passwords happens locally in your browser — your password and document are never transmitted anywhere.

Can I remove a password if I don't know it?

No, this tool only removes a password you already know and enter yourself. It is not a password-cracking or recovery tool.

Can I restrict printing or copying without adding a full password?

Yes, when adding protection you can set custom permissions, such as disabling printing or text copying, alongside or instead of an open password.

Is this tool free to use?

Yes, fully free and requires no signup.