FreeToolBox - Professional Online Tools

About PDF Encryption Tool

When a document is too sensitive to send unprotected, password encryption is the standard safeguard. The PDF Encryption Tool adds or removes password protection using AES-256 encryption, the same algorithm approved for classified government data. Start by choosing whether to encrypt or decrypt, upload a PDF of up to 50MB, and either set a new strong password or enter the existing one, which is case-sensitive. You can also configure permissions for printing, copying, and editing so recipients can only do what you allow. Because encryption runs entirely in your browser, the confidential contracts, financial records, and medical documents you protect are never exposed to a server.

Key Features

  • ✓Encrypt PDFs with AES-256 encryption
  • ✓Decrypt PDFs when you know the password
  • ✓Supports PDF files up to 50MB
  • ✓Set printing, copying, and editing permissions
  • ✓Separate modes for adding or removing passwords
  • ✓Runs entirely in your browser, files never uploaded

How to Use PDF Encryption Tool

  1. 1

    Choose your operation

    Select whether to encrypt (add a password) or decrypt (remove a password) a PDF. You must know the existing password to decrypt a protected PDF.

  2. 2

    Upload the PDF file

    Select the PDF document to encrypt or decrypt. Files up to 50MB are supported for password operations.

  3. 3

    Set or enter the password

    For encryption, create a strong password using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. For decryption, enter the current password, which is case-sensitive.

  4. 4

    Configure permissions

    Set access controls for printing, copying, and editing based on how the document will be shared.

  5. 5

    Process and download

    Click "Encrypt PDF" or "Decrypt PDF" to apply the changes, then download the resulting file and store the password separately.

Read the complete step-by-step guide with screenshots and pro tips

Common Use Cases

  • •A lawyer password-protects a contract before emailing it to the opposing party.
  • •An accountant locks a client's tax return and sends the password separately by phone.
  • •A medical office encrypts patient intake forms so only the recipient can open them.
  • •A manager removes a password from an archived report after it is no longer sensitive.
  • •A freelancer restricts printing and copying on a paid design brief sent to a client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are my documents uploaded to encrypt or decrypt them?

No. All encryption and decryption happens locally in your browser, so the file never leaves your device. This matters when you are protecting confidential contracts, financial records, or medical documents.

What encryption does it use, and what sizes are supported?

PDFs are protected with AES-256 encryption, and files up to 50MB are supported. You can also set permissions that control printing, copying, and editing.

Is the PDF Encryption Tool free? Do I need to sign up?

It is completely free and requires no account, signup, or subscription. There are no limits on how many PDFs you encrypt or decrypt.