Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat

Open on web
Adobe Help Center
Adobe Help Center

Add passwords to PDFs

Last updated on Aug 16, 2025

Learn how to add password security to a PDF to restrict who can open, edit, print, or copy the document.

Select All tools > Protect a PDF.

In the left pane, select Protect with password.

In the dialog box that opens, select if you want to set the password for Viewing or Editing.

The Protect Using Password dialog box shows options for setting password permissions for viewing or editing, as well as fields for entering the password.
Advanced options allow you to encrypt the PDF using a password or certificate.

Type and retype your password in the password fields.

Select Apply.

Adobe Acrobat logo

Try Acrobat on the web
Create, edit, and share PDFs online.

Open the app
Open the app

Previous

Password security overview

Next

Remove passwords from PDFs

Learn

card-link-icon

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

card-link-icon

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

card-link-icon

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.