Learn how to password-protect a PDF easily using PDF.net editor tool, create strong passwords, and remove them when needed.

Knowing how to password-protect a PDF is important since a single unprotected file can lead to data breaches, unauthorized sharing, or misuse of sensitive information.

, you can secure your PDFs from copyright infringement. Moreover, this is the perfect way to keep sensitive data in your emails, invoices, and other important documents safe.

In this article, we show you how to password-protect a PDF 

and Microsoft Word, when you need this feature most, and how to disable it if needed. Lastly, we share tips on generating secure passwords, so keep reading to learn more about the topic!

How to Password-Protect a PDF File Using PDF.net

, you need to upload the file to our website, pick a strong password, and download the protected file.

#1. Open the Password-Protection PDF Tool and Upload Your File

. Then, you can upload your document by dragging it to the box labeled 

." You can also upload it manually by clicking the 

 button and selecting it from your storage.

Once you upload the document, it will automatically open. Think about the password combination you want to use and confirm it by typing it in the password field.

and wait for the automated process to complete; it takes only a few moments.

The last step is to download the protected PDF file by hitting the 

 button in the top right corner. This will start automatically and last only a couple of seconds; after that, you will find your document in the default download folder.

How to Password-Protect a PDF File in Microsoft Word

To password-protect a PDF file in Microsoft Word, open the file using this program, select the option to 

To open the PDF this way, right-click it, select 

; if you can’t open the file, you may need to convert it from 

 first. Once you manage to open it, click the 

. Enter the password in the designated field, and then click OK. The area around the 

 button will turn yellow, indicating that your file has been password-protected.

 button on the left. Choose the location to store your file and name it. Click the 

as the exporting file type. Finally, hit the 

 button at the bottom of the window to finalize this process.

Why You Should Password-Protect Your PDF Files

You should password-protect your PDF files to ensure that only authorized individuals can use them and access the sensitive information within them. Besides that, password security increases the overall protection of your documents and helps you avoid potential mishandling.

Let’s learn more about when and why you should

If you want to make sure only chosen individuals can access your PDF, you should protect it with a password. This is one of the simplest forms of protection, as it does not involve restrictions within the file but denies access to unauthorized users. By doing so, you can only share the password with users who you think should be able to open your PDF.

 and other channels, like social media and websites, exposes them to a risk of the information getting stolen. Therefore, the best way to secure PDFs if they contain sensitive data (e.g., bank statements, business information, etc.) 

Some files you decide to share with others may contain important parts, such as 

, that other individuals shouldn’t use. Besides securing such files with a watermark or 

Specifically, you can lock PDFs and prevent users from copying the content within them. Further protection implies 

 to avoid changing or modifying text, moving objects, or adding form fields. Similarly, you can 

of a PDF that contains patents or other sensitive information or data subject to 

Learning how to encrypt a document will help you comply with data protection standards. For example, industries such as the 

 require data protection and follow standards such as 

 for sharing documents. By password-protecting your files, you can share them within such industries and rest assured that they will be well protected.

4 Useful Tips and Practices for Strong PDF Passwords

Creating a secure PDF file is not only about setting the password but also about its strength. Let’s see the 

 that can help you strengthen your PDF passwords:

; the more characters, the stronger your password will be.

Additionally, you should pay attention to the type of characters you use. Your password should be a combination of uppercase and downcase letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and different symbols (e.g., #, &, -, etc.).

 for passwords may make them easy to guess or crack. This is why it’s important to stay away from using your pet names, date of birth, or similar personal information as passwords.

You should also avoid using ones that are similar to the document name as well as repeating patterns such as ‘qwerty’ or ‘123456’.

#3. Use Password Generators and Storing Software

If you wish to create a long and complex password easily, you can use 

. These come up with secure passwords instantly and make your documents more secure from the get-go.

However, software-generated passwords can be difficult to remember. You can resolve this by using the web browser option to store, save, and autofill your PDF file passwords when you open and use such files online.

#4. Don’t Reuse Passwords, and Keep Them Up to Date

Using the same password for different purposes may cause you to lose multiple documents or accounts at once. Instead, we advise you to come up with a password for 

. Remembering them may not always be easy, but as we said, you can use high-quality software to store them.

. If you have used a password for a couple of months, maybe it is time to replace it with a new one.

How to Remove a Password or Change a Password-Protected PDF

To remove a password or change a password-protected PDF with PDF.net, first find 

 in the header. However, to unlock it, you need to enter the correct password.

After you have removed or changed the password, 

Some offline programs also provide the option to remove PDF passwords, but as with the PDF.net, you need to know the document-specific password. Depending on the type of software you use, you can enter the PDF security settings, type in your password, and apply the removal option. The 

Lastly, web browsers like Google Chrome allow you to open most password-protected documents. You may not be able to make large edits, but you can remove pages and save PDFs for further reference.

Using PDF.net for Maximum PDF Document Protection

As previously mentioned, to get maximum PDF protection, you need to use high-encryption software with which you can streamline the password protection process easily.

can provide maximum protection for your PDFs. We use the latest technology to protect your files with 128-bit key or 256-bit AES encryption. Plus, you can streamline both encryption and standard password protection processes with just a few clicks.

On top of that, the passwords you use to protect your documents on our website remain private, as we 

 after you finalize this process. If you change your mind or need to make your documents password-free again, you can do so hassle-free with our Unlock PDF tool.

 to modify your documents before protecting them with a password. It’s possible to change, add, or remove text, add hyperlinks and comments, and 

#1. How do I password-protect a PDF without Acrobat?

To password-protect a PDF without Acrobat, you can use our 

. Open the tool, upload your file, set your password, and download the protected PDF.

#2. What happens if I forget my PDF password?

 tool will not be able to open it without the correct password. You will need to remember the password or contact the file’s owner to request it before you can remove the protection.

#3. Can you lock a PDF so it cannot be edited?

Yes, you can lock a PDF so it cannot be edited using the PDF.net tool; it allows you to restrict your file and 

, unless the correct password is entered.

#4. How to send a PDF with password protection?

To send a PDF with password protection, you can use a standard 

, or other channels. However, remember to notify the receiver about the password so that they can open and use the document.

How to Password-Protect a PDF: A Guide to Securing Your Files

Yes, it’s safe to email documents — if you encrypt them, use strong passwords, and follow expert tips for protection.

It is safe to send documents via email, but only if you follow certain safety protocols. Specifically, sending documents via email safely involves security measures such as encryption, password protection, and two-factor authentication.

You can streamline some of these protection processes using the built-in email service features and online tools for document protection, such as our PDF editor tool. That said, let’s explore the top six 

email safety tips and learn how to put them into practice

What Type of Documents Can You Send Via Email

You can send various types of documents via email, including 

. For instance, you can share images in the standard digital formats, either as an attachment or in the 

Additionally, text documents are the most common file type shared via email. You can send 

, and many other document versions using this service. Finally, email services also allow you to share archived files in the most well-known formats, which you can 

Each of these categories features numerous file variants and formats, including the following:

, DOC, DOCX, TXT, ODT, ODS, ODP, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX)

Additionally, there are other sorts of supported documents, but users rarely send them due to safety concerns. These include HTML and 

Common Risks of Sending Documents via Email

Specific risks, such as email interceptions, phishing, spoofing, or using unsecured attachments, can impact safety when sending documents via email.

Let’s take a closer look at these potential threats:

Email interception is a common way people 

. This process can occur in the initial (sending) phase, final (receiving) stage, or in between. For instance, two people may want to use email as a file-sharing service.

Before one of them sends a document, they communicate about setting the password for protection. A third party intercepts this conversation and gets the file and the password before the recipient. This individual sends a random file to the recipient while 

 are fraudulent activities where the attacker sends messages that 

falsely appear to be from legitimate sources

. In such cases, you don’t need to worry whether it is safe to send your document via email but focus on detecting this type of activity.

If you receive a suspicious file or message asking you for money, your bank account, or other personal information, you should double-check the sender’s email. If the sender claims to be a member of a company or organization, we recommend examining the 

Since attackers cannot use the original email address, it will probably look similar to a company’s official address, but it won’t be the same. Also, you must not open any documents, especially the 

Moreover, spoofing is a similar practice where someone can 

 and make it look as if it came from a different sender. They do so to gain the receiver’s trust and eventually get sensitive information.

You should be cautious on such occasions, see if you expect such an email from someone, and thoroughly examine the sender’s information and email content to avoid repercussions.

If you do not use the built-in email encryption that some services provide, you should encrypt attachments yourself. The reason why sending unencrypted attachments is risky is that the interceptor or someone using the receiver’s device 

Precisely, encryption ensures secure file sharing by scrambling the content of your file, making it useless for anyone who accesses it without the decryption key. So, if anyone intercepts such a document or tries to open it on the receiver’s device, they won’t be able to 

How to Make Sending Documents Via Email Safe

To make sending documents via email safe, you should focus on file security, transfer safety protocols, and small details like the recipient’s address. As an alternative to sharing attachments, you can even send links in emails.

Due to the immense popularity of PDFs, we discuss how to protect this sort of document, but also share advice on general security measures for 

and send them via email afterwards. Still, you should choose a reliable tool for this, meaning other users cannot breach your password and can only open it if they have the correct one.

On the other hand, your document doesn’t have to stay locked forever, as you can use the unlock tool and your existing password to 

is similar to password protection, as it secures your file from unauthorized access and use. While someone can open encrypted attachments, they won’t be able to get any information.

Even if attackers try to copy the unreadable content of your document and paste it somewhere else, hoping to decipher it, this won’t be possible without the 

. If you decide to remove encryption from a PDF after sending, you can do it using the key you created when enabling encryption.

Besides focusing on PDF document security, you can bypass email attachment sharing 

 services can be great secure email alternatives, you don’t need to switch to such platforms completely to send documents safely.

Instead, you can upload your file to a cloud storage or document sharing platform, or create a trackable link and send it via email. These services can track different activities, such as who clicked the links and who accessed the documents, making it easier for you to 

Another essential safety measure is checking the recipients’ email addresses before sending emails. This is beneficial because it prevents you from sending confidential documents to 

Plus, if you find a certain email address in your base, you can check the previous conversations you had and see if everything went well back then. If your email conversation went smoothly, 

chances are that it will be the same again

Enable Two-factor Authentication on Your Email

Using two-factor or multi-factor authentication on your email can help you 

. Sometimes, even if you protect your files for email sharing, anyone accessing your email address may also sign into your other accounts (e.g., file storage drive or document sharing profiles).

As a result, they may get the unprotected version of your files and tamper with them or use the sensitive data for illegal actions. However, with this layer of security, you will receive an additional code via SMS or another email during the login process, which makes signing in 

Secure Your Document for Safe Email Sharing With PDF.net

PDF.net provides detailed explanations about the meaning of the PDF format and tools for 

, helping you safely share documents via email. Our software boasts high security levels, meaning that you can make your files unlockable or non-decryptable without a specific password or key.

 includes various other tools you can use to 

. For instance, instead of archiving them, you can shrink PDFs using our 

, allowing you to send large files via email. Plus, you can create a digital signature for PDFs, which is as valid as traditional ones.

The entire PDF.net platform features the highest safety standards and is user-friendly, as the available software is made for average users, not just the tech-savvy ones.

Is it Safe to Send Documents Via Email FAQ

#1. What information should not be sent via email?

IDs, SSNs, licences, certificates, passwords, and bank account numbers 

should not be sent via email. We recommend using maximum file protection if sharing documents via email is your only option.

#2. Can I use email for sending financial or personal information?

Yes, you can use email for sending financial or personal information. However, it is important to share such data in documents that you must protect with a 

#3 How does PDF.net help with secure document sharing?

PDF.net helps secure document sharing by offering password-protection and encryption tools. With such software, you can ensure maximum protection 

Is It Safe to Send Documents via Email? Tips for File Protection

Knowing how to password-protect a Word document can help you prevent unauthorized use and editing and keep your confidential data safe.

To password-protect a Word document on Windows and Mac, you should use Microsoft Word on both operating systems.

and is a common practice for legal papers, business files, and contracts. In addition to these advantages, securing Word files with passwords also comes with certain downsides if not done correctly (e.g., weak passwords can be breached).

Therefore, it is crucial to know how to properly password-protect a Word document and when password-protecting PDF files using designated tools like PDF.net is smarter than using Word ones.

How to Password-Protect a Word Document on Windows

To password-protect a Word document on Windows, you need to open the file, find the password-protection option, and set the password.

Let’s take a detailed look at these steps:

Find the document you want to protect and double-click it to open it.

Click the File menu in the top-left corner

Choose Protect Document and select Encrypt with Password.

Save the changes by clicking the Save icon in the upper-left corner.

How to Password-Protect a Word Document on Mac

To password-protect a Word document on a Mac, you should use 

 to open it, find the protection feature, set the password, and save the file.

Select the Protect drop-down menu and choose Protect Document

Enter the password, confirm it by re-entering, and click 

Enter the password, confirm it by re-entering, and click OK

Upon leaving, save the document using the automatic pop-up window.


Why You Should Password-Protect Your Word Documents

You should password-protect your Word documents to 

, facilitate sharing, and comply with the necessary data regulations if needed.

Let’s see the benefits of Word password protection in greater detail:

Restricting access to Word protects your documents from

. For instance, you may have to upload your file to a drive to which various people have access. Still, if you want to grant file access to specific individuals only, 

it and share the password just with them.

Additionally, you can password-protect multiple files by creating a different password for each document, which allows you to 

manage access for different people and files individually

You can password-protect documents containing sensitive information to 

, as these may lead to various problems. For example, your file may include intellectual property, such as robotic 

 that your business plans to launch in the near future.

If your competitors find details about this, they may use it for their own development, 

. Similarly, hackers may steal your valuable data and sell it to other companies, which can also endanger your business.

As password-protecting a Word document restricts access, it automatically limits the opportunity to modify such a file. This means that your information is not only safe from copying or stealing 

Of course, this is important because some documents may contain data that users must not alter in any way. For instance, some factory machines may be dangerous if not used correctly, and the service manual can be the only source for safe use. So, before sharing the manual in a Word document, you can password-protect it to 

ensure that all instructions remain intact

Due to the rise of technology, many countries, unions, and companies have proposed safety acts to protect people’s 

. Depending on where and what you use Word documents for, you may need to password-protect them to comply with specific security protocols.

For instance, as a product designer, you may have to lock Word files to comply with the 

keep essential business-related data private

Additionally, such regulatory principles are also available globally, including the 

 issued by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). These privacy guidelines regulate the 

Can Your Remove or Change Your Password Later?

You can remove or change your password after protecting a file 

. All you have to do is open your document, type in the password, find the protection feature, and enter the new password or erase the old one from the box.

While removing passwords from Word documents is easy, you will need a computer to do it or go through a tedious download process on mobile devices. In contrast to Word documents, managing PDF passwords is easier, especially with

Specifically, you can access our tools on 

. Like Microsoft Word, we also offer software for changing passwords and unlocking PDFs, among other security features.

 provides additional security for your files, as there are stronger and more versatile ways to protect PDFs.

This is because Word allows you to use only 

, limiting combinations of different characters. Plus, the option to encrypt Word documents is equal to standard password protection, as it does not scramble the file text but only limits the file access.

On the other hand, you can password-protect PDFs and choose a strong password, mixing different 

symbols, characters, numbers, and letters

. PDF file protection also implies advanced document encryption, which makes the text in your file unreadable and requires a long and complex key for decryption.

to set restrictions for your files. Unlike Word, which only provides editing restrictions, PDF.net lets you disable the option to create new fillable forms and print documents.

Troubleshooting: What to Do if You Forgot Your Password

Accessing protected files is impossible without a password. So, if you forget your password, try your best to get it back by 

checking your password tools or documents

 or asking people you share it with for help.

If there is no option for you to recover the password this way, you can open your file in other programs, such as WordPad.

Another way to restore forgotten passwords is to download and install 

or use similar software online. However, it is important to note that opening secured Word documents in programs other than MS Word may

PDF Security

How to Password-Protect a PDF: A Guide to Securing Your Files

Is It Safe to Send Documents via Email? Tips for File Protection

How to Password-Protect a Word Document on Windows & Mac

Can PDFs Have Viruses? How to Stay Safe While Using Them