Encrypt a PDF with a required opening password and choose which actions readers may perform with the protected document.
PDF Tools
Use the Protect PDF tool
Direct browser-to-API processing
How to use Protect PDF
- Choose one readable PDF up to 25 MiB.
- Enter an opening password, optionally add an owner password, and review the permission choices.
- Select Protect PDF, download the encrypted copy, and store its passwords safely.
About Protect PDF
This tool applies password encryption to a PDF and lets you control printing, copying, editing, annotations, form filling, accessibility copying, document assembly, and high-quality printing. It creates a protected copy rather than changing the original file on your device.
Why use this tool
- Require a password before the PDF can be opened.
- Set document-use permissions for different reader actions.
- Keep the unprotected source file unchanged on your device.
Privacy and security
The PDF and passwords are sent directly to the Choosify document API over the request used to create the protected file; they are not sent through or stored by WordPress. Password fields are cleared after processing, and API handling follows the backend’s configured behavior.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the user and owner passwords?
The user password is required to open the PDF. The optional owner password controls owner-level access and the permission settings applied to the document.
What password rules apply?
The opening password must contain 1 to 128 characters. The optional owner password can contain up to 128 characters, and control characters are not accepted.
Which PDF permissions can I choose?
You can control printing, copying, editing, annotations, form filling, accessibility copying, document assembly, and high-quality printing. Review every option before processing.
Can Choosify recover a forgotten PDF password?
This tool does not provide password recovery. Keep the passwords in a secure place because losing them may prevent access to the protected PDF.