How do I password protect a PDF?
Select a PDF, enter a User Password (required to open the file), optionally set an Owner Password (to control permissions), configure permissions like printing and copying, then click 'Encrypt PDF'. Download the encrypted file.
What's the difference between User Password and Owner Password?
User Password is required to OPEN the PDF - without it, the file can't be viewed. Owner Password controls PERMISSIONS (printing, copying, editing). If you leave Owner Password empty, it defaults to the User Password.
Can I set permissions without requiring a password to open?
No. To enforce permissions, users must enter the User Password to open the file. This verifies identity before applying permission restrictions. Permissions without passwords are not secure.
When should I use a separate Owner Password?
Use separate passwords when you want different people to have different access levels. For example: give clients the User Password (they can open and read), but keep the Owner Password secret (only you can change permissions or remove encryption).
What does each permission control?
Allow print: Enable printing the PDF. Allow copy: Enable copying text/images. Allow modify: Enable editing content. Allow annotate: Enable adding comments/highlights. Allow form: Enable filling form fields. Allow assemble: Enable inserting/deleting pages. HQ print: Enable high-resolution printing. Encrypt metadata: Hide document properties.
What's the difference between AES-256 and AES-128?
Both are very secure. AES-256 uses a 256-bit key (stronger, recommended for highly sensitive data). AES-128 uses a 128-bit key (faster, still extremely secure). For most use cases, AES-256 is the best choice.
Can encrypted PDFs be opened on any device?
Yes! Encrypted PDFs work with all major PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat, Preview, Chrome, Edge, Firefox) on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. Users enter the password and the file opens normally.
Can someone bypass the password or crack the encryption?
AES-256 encryption is military-grade and virtually uncrackable with current technology. However, weak passwords can be guessed. Use strong passwords (12+ characters, mix of letters/numbers/symbols) for maximum security.
What if I forget the password?
There is NO way to recover a forgotten password - the encryption is that strong. The PDF will be permanently inaccessible. Always store passwords securely (e.g., password manager) or keep an unencrypted backup in a safe location.
Will recipients need special software to open encrypted PDFs?
No. Any standard PDF reader can open encrypted PDFs - users just need to enter the password. No special software, plugins, or apps required.
What happens to my PDF during encryption?
Small files (10MB or less) process on our server but are never stored. Large files (over 10MB) are temporarily stored during processing and automatically deleted after 2 hours.
Is there a file size limit?
Yes, PDF files up to 200MB are supported. This handles large documents, portfolios, and multi-file PDFs.