:format(avif))
:format(avif))
A PDF, or Portable Document Format, is something we all recognize—it’s the go-to file type for everything from casual brochures to confidential business reports filled with sensitive information. When it comes to those more private PDF documents, you'd probably want to keep them safe from prying eyes. One way to do that is by adding password protection. Let’s show you how to set it up.
Contents:
How to password-protect a PDF on Mac
If you’re an Apple user, there's an easy way for you to add password protection to any PDF file you’ve got on your Mac. Here’s how to do it:
Go to the “Preview” app on your Mac.
In the menu bar, select “File,” then choose “Export.”
Select the “Permissions” button in the dialog box.
Set a password to open the PDF.
Click “Apply,” then select “Save” to finalize the changes.
How to password-protect a PDF on Windows
Setting up password protection for a PDF file on Windows is different from securing other document types (like Excel), ZIP files, or folders. Here’s how you can do it:
Open the PDF document using Microsoft Word.
Click “File” in the top-left corner, then select “Save As,” and set PDF as the file format.
Click the “Tools” button in the bottom-right corner and select “General Options.”
Enter a password to protect the document.
Click “OK” and save the PDF in the desired location.
How to password-protect a PDF on mobile devices
If you don’t want to use your computer to add password protection to a PDF, you can do it right from your mobile device. Let’s walk through the steps for both Android and iPhone.
On Android (Using Acrobat Reader)
Open the document using the Adobe Acrobat Reader application. (If you don’t have it, download the app from the Google Play Store.)
Tap on the three-dot menu icon.
Choose “Protect,” then “Set Password.”
Create a password for your PDF file.
Save the PDF document.
On iOS
Go to the “Pages” app.
Click on the “More Menu” button, then “Document Options.”
Choose “Set Password.”
Enter a password for your PDF file.
Tap “Done.”
Using online tools to password-protect a PDF
There are plenty of online services that can help you quickly add a password to your PDF, but keep in mind that you’ll need to upload your file to the website. So, be cautious about sending your document to any shady sites, especially if it contains sensitive info.
If it’s not a super confidential file and you just want a quick solution, Adobe has an online password protection service you can use. Simply google “Adobe password protect a PDF,” find the site, upload your file, set your password, and then download the protected PDF.
How to remove a password from a PDF
If you want to remove a password from one of your PDF files, the easiest way to do it is:
Open the PDF file with a PDF viewer or editor that supports password removal, like Adobe Acrobat.
Open the PDF document using the existing password.
Go to file properties and disable password protection for your PDF file.
Save the PDF file to confirm the changes.
Bear in mind that instead of disabling the password protection, you can also create an unprotected copy of the file by saving it with a new name.
Best practices for creating secure passwords for PDFs
When it comes to your passwords—whether for your PDFs, online accounts, or anything else—you want them to be strong and unique. To make them tough to crack, aim for at least 18 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The key is randomness—your password shouldn’t have any meaning that could be linked to something personal.
If creating such complex passwords sounds difficult, you might want to try a tool like the Password Generator in NordPass. It can quickly generate strong passwords for you and automatically save them in an encrypted vault that only you can access.
Of course, NordPass can do much more: it allows you to share passwords securely, check if your data has been compromised, and log in with passkeys for added security. So, if you’re looking for a simple way to create and store passwords for your PDFs and boost your overall security, give NordPass a try.