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PDF Inspector

Upload a PDF to inspect its metadata, page count, and security status.

๐Ÿ“„

Click to upload a PDF


About this tool

Add password protection to a PDF or remove the password from an already-unlocked PDF - entirely in your browser. Set a user password (opens the document) and owner password (prevents printing, copying, or editing). All processing uses pdf-lib and runs locally - your files never leave your device.

How to Password-Protect a PDF

  1. 1Upload your PDF file.
  2. 2Enter a user password (required to open) and/or owner password (limits printing/copying).
  3. 3Choose the encryption level (AES-256 recommended).
  4. 4Click 'Protect PDF' to apply the password.
  5. 5Download the protected PDF and store the password securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between user and owner password in a PDF?+
The user password (also called open password) must be entered to open the document. The owner password controls permissions like printing, copying text, and editing. A PDF can have both, or just an owner password with unrestricted opening.
Can I remove a PDF password without knowing it?+
No. Password-protected PDFs use AES-256 encryption. If you don't know the password, there is no legal way to remove it with this tool. You must have the correct password to remove protection.
What encryption strength is used?+
Modern PDFs use AES-256 encryption (PDF 1.7 standard). This is the same encryption standard used in banking and government applications. Passwords under 8 characters are vulnerable to dictionary attacks; use strong, unique passwords.
Does password protection prevent all copying?+
Copy-protection (owner password without user password) can be bypassed by some tools and is not a strong protection. For truly sensitive documents, consider document rights management (DRM) solutions instead.
Looking for a deeper guide on this topic? Browse the Searchlight blog.
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