PDFSnap › Protect PDF
Add a password to a PDF, free
Lock a PDF with a password before you email or store it, and decide whether printing and copying are allowed.
Need several steps at once? Just type what you want →How to use Protect PDF
- Upload your PDFChoose the document to protect.
- Set a passwordEnter the password twice, and tick whether printing and copying text are allowed.
- Protect and downloadPress “Process Now” and save the protected PDF.
Why use PDFSnap
- Choose whether people can print or copy text.
- Everything happens on your device, so your password and file are never sent anywhere.
- Private by design: your files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded to a server.
- Free, with no signup and no watermark on the result.
Frequently asked questions
How strong is the protection?
PDFSnap uses the standard, widely compatible PDF password method (RC4, 40-bit). It keeps casual readers out, but it is an older method. For highly sensitive documents, use a tool that offers AES-256.
What if I forget the password?
It cannot be recovered. Save the password somewhere safe and keep an unprotected copy.
Is Protect PDF really free?
Yes. There is no signup, no watermark and no paid plan. The site is supported by ads.
Is my data sent to a server?
No. Your file is processed by code running in your browser. The page only downloads the open-source libraries it needs (for OCR, also the language data), never your file.