Lock PDF
Select or drop your file(s)
Files never leave your deviceMax size: 100MB
Frequently Asked Questions
Is locking a PDF with PDFPilot really free?
Yes. Lock PDF is completely free to use, with no sign-up or account required.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The PDF is encrypted entirely in your browser. Your file and the password you set are never uploaded to PDFPilot's servers — if you forget the password, there is no way for us to recover it either.
Is this real encryption, or just a viewer restriction?
Real encryption — the PDF Standard Security Handler defined by the PDF specification itself (128-bit, Revision 3), the same compatibility level Adobe Acrobat, Apple Preview, and every major browser open without prompting. The file's contents are genuinely encrypted, not just hidden behind an in-app password screen.
What password does it use?
The single password you set is required to open the file at all — this tool doesn't set up separate print/copy permission restrictions with a different owner password, just one password that locks the whole document.
What if I forget the password?
There is no recovery option. Because encryption happens locally and PDFPilot never sees your password or your file, we have no way to unlock it for you — store it somewhere safe before you close this tab.
Will the locked PDF open in Adobe Acrobat, Preview, and other readers?
Yes. It uses the standard PDF encryption format every major PDF reader supports, not a proprietary scheme — anyone with the password can open it in any compliant reader.
Can I lock a PDF that's already password-protected?
No — an already-encrypted PDF needs to be unlocked with its existing password first. Locking an already-protected file isn't supported.
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