PDF Security & Privacy

Password-protect PDFs, remove passwords you know, sign and redact PDFs, and strip hidden metadata. Sensitive documents never leave your device.

PDF security tools protect documents and the people named in them: they lock files with a password, remove passwords you know, sign, black out personal data and strip hidden details. Every one runs in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.

Protect PDF encrypts a document with AES-256, the strongest method in the PDF standard, and an open password that is asked for every time the file is opened. You can also untick printing, copying, editing and other permissions. Mainstream readers honour those limits, but some software ignores them, so rely on the open password for real secrecy. Remove PDF Password takes off a password you already know, along with print and copy restrictions on files you are allowed to change. It does not guess or crack unknown passwords.

Sign PDF adds a signature you draw, type or upload as a photo, with the paper background removed automatically, and can add the date or your initials to every page. It is a simple electronic signature, accepted for many everyday agreements in the UK, not a certificate-based digital signature. Redact PDF turns each redacted page into a 200 DPI image with the black boxes burned in, so the text underneath is destroyed rather than covered. It can search for words or use presets for email addresses, phone numbers, UK National Insurance numbers, US Social Security numbers, card numbers and IBANs.

Remove PDF Metadata strips the author, software, dates, XMP data and hidden application data before you share a file, although names typed on the pages stay. Password Generator creates random passwords of 6 to 128 characters, or word-based passphrases, with your browser's secure random source. The default of 20 characters gives roughly 129 bits, which the meter rates Very strong.

HR teams, landlords, accountants and anyone emailing a bank statement use these tools. Keep an unprotected original somewhere safe, because a forgotten password cannot be recovered.

  • Protect PDF

    Password-protect a PDF with AES-256 encryption and choose whether people can print, copy, edit, comment, fill forms or move pages.

  • Remove PDF Password

    Remove the password and print, copy or edit restrictions from a PDF you are allowed to open. You need the correct password.

  • Sign PDF

    Sign a PDF by drawing, typing or uploading your signature, then place it on any page. Add the date or initial every page.

  • Redact PDF

    Permanently black out names, numbers and other personal data in a PDF. Search for text or draw boxes, and the content underneath is destroyed, not just covered.

  • Remove PDF Metadata

    Strip the author, software, dates, XMP data and hidden app data from a PDF before you share it. The file is cleaned in your browser.

  • Password Generator

    Create random passwords of 6 to 128 characters, or word-based passphrases, using your browser's secure random source. Nothing is sent or stored.

Common questions about pdf security & privacy

How strong is the encryption in Protect PDF?

Protect PDF uses AES-256, the strongest encryption in the PDF standard, supported by all modern readers. The weak point is usually the password, so use 12 or more characters or a passphrase of several random words. A short or guessable password can be broken by offline guessing whatever the encryption.

Can I remove a PDF password I have forgotten?

No. Remove PDF Password needs the correct password and does not crack or bypass unknown ones. If the file opens without a password but blocks printing or copying, it can remove those restrictions, so only use it on PDFs you own or have the right to change.

Is a PDF signed here legally binding?

Sign PDF adds a simple electronic signature, which is accepted for many everyday agreements in the UK. It is not a certificate-based digital signature, so it does not prove identity cryptographically. Documents that need an advanced or qualified signature, or a witnessed deed, need a dedicated signing service.

Is redacted text really removed?

Yes. Redact PDF turns each page with a redaction into a 200 DPI image with the black boxes burned in, so the text, images and annotations underneath are destroyed. Drawing a black shape in an ordinary PDF editor only covers the text, which can still be copied out from underneath.

How long should a password be?

Aim for at least 16 random characters using upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. Password Generator's default of 20 characters gives roughly 129 bits. For a passphrase, use at least eight words; five words give only about 44 bits, which the strength meter rates Weak.