Why protect a PDF?
Prevent unauthorised access to confidential documents. Restrict printing, copying, and editing. Meet compliance requirements for sensitive data. Share documents securely via email or cloud storage.
How PDF encryption works
PDF encryption uses a password to encrypt the file content. ToolPouch uses AES-128 encryption, the same standard used by financial institutions. Without the correct password, the document content cannot be read.
User password vs permissions
A user password (open password) prevents anyone from opening the file. Permission restrictions can separately prevent printing, copying text, or editing. You can set both or just one.
Protect a PDF in your browser
ToolPouch encrypts PDFs entirely in your browser. Your file is never uploaded to any server. Enter your chosen password, select permissions, and download the encrypted PDF. The encryption uses a custom AES-128 implementation built specifically for browser-based processing.
Important notes
Choose a strong password - at least 8 characters with mixed case and numbers. PDF password protection is not unbreakable - it deters casual access but determined attackers with specialised tools can attempt to crack weak passwords. For highly sensitive documents, consider additional security measures beyond PDF encryption.
Removing a password
If you know the password, ToolPouch can remove protection from a PDF. Open the Remove PDF Password tool, upload the protected file, enter the password, and download the unprotected version.