Password protect a PDF
Encrypt a PDF with a password you choose. FileNest uses qpdf on the server and deletes the file within an hour.
Free up to 20 MB · files automatically deleted · see Pro for 200 MB
How to protect pdf
- 1Drop a PDF.
- 2Choose a password and confirm it.
- 3Download the encrypted PDF. FileNest cannot recover a lost password.
You will need this password to open the file. Store it somewhere else.
Files are processed temporarily and automatically deleted. Limits are shown before processing. Corrupted or unsupported files stop with a clear error.
Protect PDF before you email a tax form, an offer letter, or anything that should not open on a shared computer. You choose the password. FileNest does not keep a copy of it.
Encryption runs on the server with qpdf because browsers cannot reliably apply PDF passwords. The temporary file is deleted on the same schedule as every other server tool.
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Questions about protect pdf
Can FileNest recover the password later?
No. The password is used once during encryption and is not stored.
How strong is the encryption?
qpdf applies AES-256. A short or obvious password can still be guessed by someone else, so choose a real one.
Does this restrict printing only?
The password is required to open the file. It is not a permissions-only lock.