Security & privacy
How to password-protect a PDF
Password-protecting a PDF encrypts its contents so only someone with the password can read it. Done right, it uses strong AES encryption and never leaves your device.
Open passwords vs permissions
An open password encrypts the file — no password, no content. A permissions password only restricts actions like printing and is easily bypassed. For real protection, set an open password.
Use strong encryption
Insist on AES-256. Older RC4 encryption is broken and offers little real protection.
Share the password separately
Never send the password in the same email as the file. Use a different channel entirely.
In FreshPDF
The password-protect tool writes standard AES-256 encryption on your device — it opens with the password in any PDF reader.
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