Password-protect a PDF
Add a real password to a PDF so any reader — Acrobat, Preview, a browser — asks for it before opening the file. FileX uses the PDF format's own standard security handler, so the result works everywhere, not just inside FileX.
Open in FileX (Pro) →How it works
- Open the PDF Lock tool (a FileX Pro feature) and drop in your PDF.
- Choose a password, or generate a strong one.
- Download the protected PDF — opening it anywhere now requires that password.
A real PDF password, not a FileX-only lock
This is not FileX's own encryption format — it writes the standard PDF security handler (AES-256) that Adobe Acrobat, Preview, and browser PDF viewers already know how to prompt for. Anyone you send the file to can open it with any PDF reader, as long as they have the password.
One password, full access
FileX sets a single password required to open the file. It does not offer a separate "view-only, cannot print or edit" restricted password — if you need that kind of granular permission control, use dedicated desktop software instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF uploaded to add the password?
No. The PDF is loaded and re-encrypted entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded at any point.
What if I forget the password?
There is no recovery — the same real PDF encryption that keeps others out also means FileX cannot bypass it for you. Store the password somewhere safe.