Encrypt a PDF with AES-256 so it needs a password to open, right in your browser.
Quick answer
To password protect a PDF, open PDFella's Protect PDF tool, upload the file, type and confirm a password, choose whether printing, copying and editing are allowed, and click Protect PDF. The file is encrypted with AES-256 in your browser and downloaded.
Updated 5 October 2026 by the PDFella team
Key facts
Step by step
Drag your PDF onto the upload area or click Choose file. It's opened in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Enter the password twice and choose whether to allow printing, copying text and editing.
The PDF is encrypted with AES-256 on your device.
Rename the file if you like and click Download, or open it in the editor to keep working.
Why PDFella
The strongest standard PDF encryption.
Allow or block printing, copying and editing.
Encryption happens in your browser; your password is never sent anywhere.
No sign-up, no watermark.
Use at least 12 characters, ideally a passphrase of several unrelated words. Share the password through a different channel than the file, for example send the PDF by email and the password by text message. PDFella can't recover a forgotten password.
Accountants
Protect tax returns and statements before emailing.
HR
Secure payslips and contracts.
Anyone
Protect ID documents and medical records.
Upload it to Protect PDF, enter a password, choose permissions and click Protect PDF.
AES-256, the strongest standard PDF encryption.
No. Encryption happens entirely in your browser.
No. Keep it somewhere safe.
Yes. Turn off printing, copying or editing permissions.
Use Unlock PDF with the password.