Allow recipients to perform these actions even without the owner password:
LovelyPDF applies AES-256 encryption to your PDF directly in the browser using pdf-lib. You can set an open password (anyone opening the file must enter it), an owner password (controls whether the recipient can print, copy text, or edit), or both. Your file and passwords never leave your device.
An open password locks the entire document — nobody can read it without entering the password first. An owner password is invisible to viewers; the document opens normally, but restricted operations (printing, selecting text, editing) are blocked by the PDF reader.
Banks commonly use owner-password-only restrictions on statements to prevent editing the figures. CAs and tax consultants often use the client's PAN number as the open password. For maximum security, set both: a strong random open password and a separate owner password to block printing.
What encryption strength does LovelyPDF use?
AES-256, the strongest encryption level in the PDF standard — compatible with Adobe Acrobat, macOS Preview, Chrome, Foxit, and all modern PDF readers.
Is it safe to set the password in the browser?
Yes. Encryption runs entirely in JavaScript on your device. Your PDF and your passwords are never sent to any server.
What should I use as the password for sending documents to clients?
A common convention in India is to use the recipient's PAN number, date of birth (DDMMYYYY), or mobile number — easy to communicate verbally without writing it in the same email as the document.
Can the owner password be bypassed?
Owner passwords are a deterrent, not an absolute technical lock — they prevent casual copying and printing in compliant PDF readers but won't stop a determined user with specialist software.
Encryption is applied by the @cantoo/pdf-lib library running entirely inside your browser. Your document and your password are never transmitted to any server — the encrypted file is generated in memory and downloaded directly to your device. You are the only person who ever has access to either the file or the password you choose.
No account is required. AES-256 encryption, both open and owner password options, and the full permissions matrix are available without registration or payment. There is no file size limit and no cap on the number of PDFs you can protect.
The tool works on any device with a modern browser. Protect a sensitive document on your phone before sharing via email or messaging, or encrypt a batch of client reports on your desktop. The resulting encrypted PDF opens in Adobe Reader, Apple's Preview, Google Chrome, and all other compliant viewers on any platform.
AES-256 encryption is selected automatically for PDF 1.7 and above — the same standard used by enterprise document management systems and secure file sharing platforms. Older PDFs receive AES-128 or RC4-128 based on their version header. The encryption algorithm is chosen automatically; you do not need to configure it manually.
An open password (also called a user password) prevents anyone from viewing the PDF without entering the password. An owner password does not block viewing but restricts specific operations — printing, copying text, editing, filling forms — depending on which permissions you tick. You can set one, the other, or both. Setting only an owner password lets anyone open the file but restricts what they can do with it.
Yes — use the Remove PDF Password tool on LovelyPDF. Enter the correct open password and the tool removes the encryption, returning an unlocked PDF. Owner password restrictions can also be lifted if you know the owner password. Without the correct password, AES-256 encrypted PDFs cannot be unlocked.
PDF passwords can contain letters, numbers, and symbols. There is no enforced minimum or maximum length in the tool itself. Passwords of 8–20 characters with a mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols provide strong security and remain compatible with all major PDF readers. Very long passwords (50+ characters) may cause compatibility issues with some older PDF readers.