PDF passwords come in two flavors that do very different things.

1. The two types of PDF protection

  • Open password: required to open the document at all. Use for sensitive content.
  • Permissions password: the document opens freely, but printing or editing is restricted. Use when you want people to read but not alter a document.

2. Add a password

  1. Open ClarixPDF's protect tool at clarixpdf.com/protect.
  2. Upload your PDF.
  3. Choose open password, permissions password, or both.
  4. Set the password and download the protected file.

3. Choose a password you won't lose

There's no "forgot password" reset for a PDF. Use a password manager, or a memorable four-word phrase if you need to share it verbally.

4. Share securely

Send the file and the password through different channels — email the file, text the password.