On-device processing and file control
Files are not uploaded to CookPDF servers
The main operation runs in the browser on your device.
Keep the original
It's best to save the original before changing the password or flattening the document.
Check the resulting file
Open the file to test it, and check the content, access permissions, and signatures before use.
How to set a PDF password
Follow three steps, keep the original, and check the result.
Choose a PDF file
Open a document you have the right to protect and keep a safe copy of the original.
Enter the password
Create a password that is long enough, hard to guess, and confirm it exactly.
Download the protected file
Try opening the result file with the password before sending or archiving it.
Highlights
Capabilities suited to the right purpose of protecting or finishing a PDF.
Restrict access
Recipients need to know the password to open the encrypted PDF content.
Done right in the browser
No extra software needed to create a password-protected PDF.
Keep the original separate
Export as a new file so you can still return to the original document.
Processed on your device
The main operation happens in the browser and files are not uploaded to CookPDF servers.
Use cases
Common situations when handling access rights and the interaction layer.
Send documents to specific recipients
Set a password before sharing the file over another channel.
Archive personal records
Add a layer of access control to documents on your device or storage drive.
Share internal drafts
Restrict people without the password from opening a document under review.
Ready to set a PDF password?
Choose a PDF file you have the right to use to get started.
Password-protect PDF files online
Encrypt a PDF with a password to restrict people without the password from opening and reading the document's content.
When should you use it?
- Send documents to specific recipients: Set a password before sharing the file over another channel.
- Archive personal records: Add a layer of access control to documents on your device or storage drive.
- Share internal drafts: Restrict people without the password from opening a document under review.
A safe process
Only process documents you have the right to use, keep the original, and check the result file in a PDF reader before sending or archiving. For documents with digital signatures, verify the signature status again after making changes.
Limitations to know
A password helps restrict access but does not replace controlling recipients, sharing permissions, device security, or storage policies. Do not send the password in the same message or channel as the file if the document is sensitive.
Data and sessions
The main operation is performed on your device and files are not uploaded to CookPDF servers. Your browser may keep a local cache to restore the session; you can clear the session in the interface or clear website data in your browser settings.
Frequently asked questions
Information about passwords, usage rights, limitations, and data.
How should I set the password?
Does CookPDF store the password?
If I forget the password, can it be recovered?
Does setting a password prevent recipients from copying the file?
Ready to set a PDF password?
Choose a PDF file you have the right to use to get started.