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Encrypt PDF Files Online with a Password

Encrypt PDF Files Online with a Password

Free plan
No install
Trusted by 100M+ users
Secure document processing

In DocHub, encrypting a PDF means locking it with a password so only people who have it can open the file. It's part of Document Password Protection, available on the DocHub Pro plan.

How it works

01

Upload your PDF

Drag and drop your PDF into DocHub, or select the file straight from your device. It opens in your browser in seconds — no software to install.

02

Add a password

Open the download/export menu and, under PDF Options, switch on Password protect. Set the password recipients will need to open the file — that's what encrypts it.

03

Download your encrypted PDF

DocHub bakes the password into the downloaded file, so it stays locked wherever it goes. Create a free DocHub account to save or share your PDF — encrypting with a password is available on the Pro plan.

Experience the benefits of Encrypt PDF

Locked With a Password

The password travels with the file. Anyone who opens it in any PDF reader has to enter it first.

Encrypt = Password Protect

There's no separate "encrypt" step to learn. Adding a password locks the file — that is the encryption.

No Software Needed

Everything runs in your browser. Secure a document from a PC, Mac, Chromebook, or phone without installing anything.

One Workflow

Edit, sign, or fill your PDF and add the password in the same download step — no bouncing between tools.

Note: Encrypt PDF feature is available with the Pro plan or during a free trial. Upgrade your plan or start a free trial to use this feature.

Integrate DocHub with the apps you use and love

Get your documents done with ease from wherever you are working. DocHub connects to popular web applications so you can edit, sign, and share documents right from your favorite apps.

See all integrations

In-person signatures for your critical documents

Emailing financial documents

Tax forms and bank statements are full of account numbers. Add a password before you send them so only the intended recipient can open the file.

Sharing HR paperwork

Offer letters and onboarding forms often contain salaries and personal details. Lock them so a forwarded email doesn't expose them to the wrong people.

Sending medical or insurance records

When you share health forms or claim documents, a password keeps them private in transit and on the recipient's device.

Protecting legal contracts

Before sending an agreement to a client or counterparty, lock it so drafts and signed copies aren't casually opened or forwarded.

Storing personal scans

Keep passports, IDs, and other scanned records password-locked in cloud storage, so a shared folder or lost laptop doesn't hand them over.

Industry-leading security and compliance

DocHub complies with industry-leading standards, regulations, and certifications to ensure the most effective and secure workflows.

SOC 2 Type II certification

Guarantees the secure management of your data & the privacy of your clients.

HIPAA compliance

Protects your patients' private health information.

GDPR compliance

Regulates the use and holding of personal data belonging to EU residents.

PCI DSS certification

Safeguards credit/debit card data for every monetary transaction a customer makes.

FERPA

Protects the privacy of student records maintained by an educational institution.

CPRA compliance

Enhances the protection of personal data and privacy belonging to California residents.

Here's what our users have to say

Great solution for PDF docs with very little pre-knowledge required.

"Simplicity, familiarity with the menu and user-friendly. It's easy to navigate, make changes and edit whatever you may need. Because it's used alongside Google, the document is always saved, so you don't have to worry about it."

Pam Driscoll F
Teacher

A Valuable Document Signer for Small Businesses.

"I love that DocHub is incredibly affordable and customizable. It truly does everything I need it to do, without a large price tag like some of its more well known competitors. I am able to send secure documents directly to me clients emails and via in real time when they are viewing and making alterations to a document."

Jiovany A
Small-Business

I can create refillable copies for the templates that I select and then I can publish those.

"I like to work and organize my work in the appropriate way to meet and even exceed the demands that are made daily in the office, so I enjoy working with PDF files, I think they are more professional and versatile, they allow..."

Victoria G
Small-Business

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Got questions?

Here are some common questions from our customers that may provide you with the answer you're looking for. If you can't find an answer to your question, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

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What does "encrypt a PDF" mean in DocHub?

It's the same as password-protecting it. Adding a password locks (encrypts) the file so it can't be opened without it — there's no separate encrypt tool to learn.

Do I need a paid plan to encrypt a PDF?

Yes. Locking a PDF with a password is part of Document Password Protection, available on DocHub's Pro and Site License plans. You can create a free account and edit your document, but you'll need Pro to apply the password on download.

Is a password-protected PDF actually secure?

The password is applied to the downloaded file itself, so anyone who opens it in a PDF reader must enter it first. It's a strong layer for sharing and storing sensitive files — just send the password through a different channel than the file.

Can I control who can print or copy the file?

DocHub's option locks the file behind an open-password. Per-permission controls like blocking printing or copying aren't a documented option, so plan on the password as the protection.

Does the recipient need a DocHub account to open it?

No. The password is embedded in the PDF, so recipients can open it in any standard PDF reader once you share the password with them — no DocHub account required.

Can I encrypt a PDF on my phone?

Yes. DocHub runs in your mobile browser, so you can upload, lock, and download a password-protected PDF from your phone or tablet without installing an app.

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