Password protecting your PDFs
July 10, 2026
Sami
If you're emailing a PDF with sensitive information (like tax forms or contracts), it's a good idea to add a password to it first.
Local encryption
Most online PDF tools upload your file to their server, encrypt it there, and send it back. I built CarePDF to do the encryption locally in your browser instead.
We use standard AES encryption. Once the file is encrypted, it cannot be opened without the password.
Some tips
- Use a decent password. "password" or "12345" defeats the purpose.
- Send the password to the recipient through a different channel (like a text message) instead of including it in the same email as the PDF.
You can use the Protect PDF tool to try it out. Your files stay on your machine the whole time.