ToolRecipe
Stays on this device No watermark Works offline

What do you need to get done?

Drop a file here

or .

/

Open an app

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Use one tool

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Protect PDF

Add a password to a PDF so it asks for it before it opens, free and online. The same screen can flatten forms and notes so they can't be changed, and clear hidden details like author and title. Nothing is uploaded: your PDF stays in your browser.

How to password protect a PDF

  1. 1Drop your PDF in, or click to choose it
  2. 2Under Protect, type a password twice, click Set password
  3. 3Save the PDF: the saved copy asks for the password
  4. A PDF that only opens with your password.

What happens to your files

  • Nothing is uploaded.The PDF is locked by your browser. The password is never stored or sent.
  • Your original stays open.The password goes on the saved copy only, so you can keep editing.
  • More than a password.Flatten fields and notes, or remove author and title.

What you can do

  • Set a password that has to be typed to open the saved PDF. You type it twice to avoid typos.
  • "Flatten" turns marks and form fields into part of the page, so they can't be edited any more.
  • "Remove document details" clears title, author, keywords and other metadata.
  • If the PDF already has a password, you can change it or remove it, and saving keeps the one you set.
  • Use the other editor modes first, for example to add text or pages, then protect and save.

Good to know

  • There is no way to recover a forgotten password. Keep a copy of the PDF without one.
  • Flattening can't be undone in the saved file. Keep your original too.
  • The password only protects the saved copy. Your original file on disk stays as it was.
  • A password stops people from opening the file, it doesn't hide that the file exists.

Questions

How do I put a password on a PDF?

Open the PDF, go to Protect, type the password twice and click Set password. Then save: the saved file asks for it.

Is my password sent anywhere?

No. It is only used in your browser to lock the saved copy. It is never stored or sent.

Can I lock forms so they can't be changed?

Yes. "Flatten" makes marks and form fields uneditable. It is separate from the password.

What if I forget the password?

It can't be recovered, by us or anyone. Keep an unprotected copy somewhere safe.

Related tools

Recipes that use Protect PDF

Number a report's pages and lock itNumberLock2 stepsClean a PDF before sharing itBlack outPagesLock3 stepsSend a spreadsheet as a password-protected PDFTo PDFHeaderLock3 steps

How it works

Small tools that run in your browser.

Four steps

  1. Start with a file or a task

    Drop a file, search, or pick a task.

  2. The tool opens in a window

    Open as many as you like, side by side as tabs.

  3. Results collect on the right

    Drag a result into the next tool.

  4. Save when you're done

    Saved files go to your downloads.

Who uses what

Tool sets for common jobs.

Put a tool on your home screen

The icon opens that tool, like an app.

iPhone and iPad

  1. Open the tool in Safari.
  2. Tap Share (the square with the arrow).
  3. Choose “Add to Home Screen”, then Add.

Android

  1. Open the tool in Chrome.
  2. Tap the menu (⋮) at the top right.
  3. Choose “Add to Home screen” or “Install app”.

Computer

  1. Open the tool in Chrome or Edge.
  2. Click the install icon in the address bar.
  3. Choose Install.

Skills

Claude skills we use ourselves, one job each.