What encryption does this tool use?

It applies 256-bit AES encryption, an industry-standard level of protection widely used for sensitive documents.

Will the password protect the file everywhere it is sent?

Yes — the password requirement is embedded in the file itself, so it applies no matter where the file is opened or how it was delivered.

What happens if I forget the password?

The document cannot be opened by anyone, including us — we do not store passwords, so there is no recovery option. Keep your password somewhere safe.

Does this work in Safari on macOS?

Yes — it works in Safari as well as Chrome, Firefox or any other modern Mac browser.

Do I need Preview or Adobe Acrobat on my Mac?

No — everything happens in your browser, so neither Preview nor Acrobat is required.

Security

Protect PDF on Mac

macOS's Preview app can handle a few basic PDF tasks, but it doesn't cover everything, and not everyone wants to dig through Preview's menus to find the right feature. My PDF works the same way in Safari, Chrome or any other Mac browser, with no need to open Preview at all.

Use the Protect PDF Tool

No registration required
Files deleted automatically
Works in any browser

Why This Matters

What Is a PDF Password Protection Tool?

A PDF password protection tool encrypts a document so that it can only be opened by someone who knows the password you set, using industry-standard 256-bit encryption. Once protected, the file itself — not just a viewer's settings — enforces the password requirement, so it stays protected no matter where the file is copied, emailed or stored.

Step by Step

How to Protect PDF on Mac

Upload Your PDF

Drag in the PDF you want to protect, or click to browse and select it. On a Mac, drag the file in directly from Finder — Safari, Chrome and Firefox all support it the same way.

Choose a Password

Enter and confirm a password of at least 4 characters — choose something memorable but not easily guessed.

Click Protect PDF

Our server encrypts the document with 256-bit encryption, typically within seconds.

Download the Protected File

Save your encrypted PDF, then share the password with your recipient through a separate channel.

Recommended Tool: Protect PDF

Add a password to keep sensitive files private.

Open Protect PDF

Get Better Results

Tips

Share the Password Separately — Send the protected PDF and its password through two different channels — for example, email the file and text the password.
Choose a Password You Will Remember — A password that only you can recall is safer, but a lost password means the document is permanently inaccessible — write it down somewhere secure.
If you already have the file open in Preview, there is no need to close it — just drag it directly from Finder into the browser tab instead.
Trackpad drag-and-drop from Finder works exactly the same as a mouse.

Avoid These

Common Mistakes

Uploading a file that is already password-protected without unlocking it first — most operations require an unencrypted starting file.
Assuming a converted or compressed file replaces the need for the original — keep your source file until you have confirmed the result looks right.
Not checking the 50 MB upload size limit before starting, then wondering why a very large scan fails to upload.
Digging through Preview's limited menu options first, when a purpose-built tool is often faster.