What password should I use for a protected PDF?
Use a password that is strong enough to share separately from the file itself. A longer passphrase is usually safer and easier to remember than a short random word.
PDF utility
Protect PDF
Add a password to a PDF and lock it before you share or archive the file.
Add a password to a PDF and lock it before you share or archive the file.
Add a password before you share the file
Lock the PDF with an opening password, then download the protected copy in one step.
PDF file
When password protection helps a PDF
Protecting a PDF makes sense when the file contains internal notes, client drafts, contracts, or other material that should not open freely if it gets forwarded around.
This page adds a document password in the browser so you can lock the file quickly before you send it, while still keeping the workflow focused on one job.
Frequently asked questions
Will a protected PDF still look the same after export?
Yes. The document content stays the same. The main difference is that the new file asks for a password before it can be opened.
Should I review the exported PDF before using it?
Yes. Check the page order, page count, and layout after export, especially when you remove or extract pages from a longer document.