PDF Password Protector vs PDF Unlocker
Both tools are 100% free, browser-based, and require no signup. Here is how they differ so you can pick the right one for your task.
PDF Password Protector
Free PDF password protector. Add a password to any PDF using 128-bit RC4 encryption. No upload to any server — 100% browser-based. No signup, no watermark.
Use PDF Protector →PDF Unlocker
Free PDF unlocker. Enter your password to remove protection from PDFs you own. No upload to any server — 100% browser-based. No signup, no watermark.
Use PDF Unlocker →Feature Comparison
| Feature | PDF Protector | PDF Unlocker |
|---|---|---|
| Add a password to any PDF — required to open the document | ✓ | — |
| Set owner password to restrict printing and editing | ✓ | — |
| 128-bit RC4 encryption — opens in all standard PDF viewers | ✓ | — |
| Permissions control: restrict printing, copying, and editing | ✓ | — |
| 100% browser-based — files never leave your device | ✓ | — |
| No signup, no watermark | ✓ | — |
| Remove the open password from any PDF you own | — | ✓ |
| Enter your existing password to unlock | — | ✓ |
| Produces a clean PDF that opens without a password | — | ✓ |
| Also removes printing and editing restrictions | — | ✓ |
| 100% browser-based — files never leave your device | — | ✓ |
| No signup, no watermark | — | ✓ |
| 100% free — no signup, no watermarks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser-based — files never uploaded | ✓ | ✓ |
When to Use Each Tool
- →Drag and drop a PDF file onto the upload area or click to browse.
- →Enter the password required to open the document. Anyone who wants to read the PDF will need this password.
- →Set an owner password to control editing and printing permissions. Choose whether to allow printing, copying text, and modifying the document.
- →Drag and drop the locked PDF onto the upload area or click to browse.
- →Type the existing password for the PDF. The tool uses this password to decrypt the document — it does not try to guess or bypass it.
- →Click "Unlock PDF". The password-free version downloads to your device. It will open in any PDF viewer without a password prompt.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All encryption is performed inside your browser using a JavaScript implementation of the PDF standard security handler. Your document never leaves your device.
The user password (also called the open password) is required to open the PDF in any viewer. The owner password controls permissions — it unlocks editing, printing, and copying if a reader enters it. You can set both, or just the user password for simple open protection.
No. This tool is for removing passwords from PDFs you already have the password for. You must supply the correct password — no guessing or cracking is attempted. Use this only on files you own and are authorized to modify.
No. All decryption and unlocking happens inside your browser. Your file and password never leave your device.
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