# Protect PDF Without Adobe

Get the same AES-256 encryption as Adobe Acrobat Pro — for free, in your browser, with no installation.

Live page: [https://freetoolsfr.com/protect-pdf-without-adobe](https://freetoolsfr.com/protect-pdf-without-adobe)

You don't need Adobe Acrobat Pro to password-protect your PDFs. This free browser-based tool offers the same AES-256 encryption and permission controls — no installation, no subscription, no limits. Upload your PDF, set your passwords, configure permissions, and download the encrypted file in seconds. Adobe Acrobat Pro costs over $20 per month ($240+ per year) and requires downloading and installing desktop software. This tool provides identical AES-256 encryption strength, the same dual password system, and the same five permission controls — all for free, instantly accessible from any browser. You don't need to create an account, provide an email address, or install anything. Just open the page and start encrypting. For individuals and small businesses who need occasional PDF encryption, paying for a full Adobe subscription makes no financial sense when the same security is available at no cost.

## How it works

1. **Upload PDF** — Select or drag and drop the PDF file you want to protect with a password.
2. **Set Password & Permissions** — Choose a strong password and configure what actions are allowed — printing, copying, modifying, annotating, and filling forms.
3. **Download Encrypted PDF** — Get your password-protected PDF instantly. Everything runs in your browser — no server uploads.

## Use cases

- **Budget-Conscious Teams**: Get professional PDF encryption without paying for expensive software licenses. Encrypt documents on any computer without per-seat licensing costs.
- **Quick One-Off Encryption**: When you just need to lock one PDF and don't want to install software or sign up for a service. Open the page, encrypt, and you're done.
- **Shared Computers**: Encrypt PDFs on public or shared computers where you can't install software. Since it runs in the browser, no installation is needed.
- **Cross-Platform Teams**: Teams using a mix of Windows, Mac, and Linux can all encrypt PDFs from the same tool without platform-specific software.

## Tips

- **Save Money**: Adobe Acrobat Pro costs $20+/month ($240+/year). This tool offers the same AES-256 encryption with identical security strength for free, directly in your browser with no subscription.
- **No Installation Required**: Unlike desktop software, there's nothing to download or install. Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, and mobile devices — any platform with a modern browser.
- **Same Encryption Standard**: Both Adobe Acrobat Pro and this tool use AES-256 encryption. The encrypted PDFs are identical in security level and compatible with all the same PDF readers.

## FAQ

### Is this as good as Adobe Acrobat encryption?

We use the same AES-256 standard. The encrypted PDFs are compatible with all PDF readers and offer the same level of cryptographic security as Adobe's implementation.

### Do I need to create an account?

No. No account, no email, no signup, no personal information required. Just upload and encrypt.

### Can Adobe Acrobat open PDFs encrypted with this tool?

Yes. The encryption follows the PDF 2.0 standard, so Adobe Acrobat, Preview, Chrome, and all other compliant readers can open the encrypted files with the correct password.

### Are there features Adobe has that this tool doesn't?

Adobe Acrobat Pro includes editing, OCR, and many other features beyond encryption. For the specific task of password-protecting PDFs, this tool provides equivalent encryption functionality.

## Problems solved

- Encrypt PDFs without paying for Adobe Acrobat Pro or other premium software
- Avoid installing desktop software for occasional encryption needs
- Get identical AES-256 encryption quality for free
- Encrypt PDFs on any device without platform restrictions

## Stats

- **$0** Cost (vs $240/yr for Adobe)
- **Same** AES-256 Standard
- **No Install** Required

## Tool

This page is powered by the [encrypt-pdf](https://freetoolsfr.com/pdf/encrypt) tool.

## Related

- [password-protect-pdf-free](https://freetoolsfr.com/password-protect-pdf-free)
- [encrypt-pdf-online](https://freetoolsfr.com/encrypt-pdf-online)
- [lock-pdf-with-password](https://freetoolsfr.com/lock-pdf-with-password)
- [pdf-encryption-tool](https://freetoolsfr.com/pdf-encryption-tool)
- [secure-pdf-free](https://freetoolsfr.com/secure-pdf-free)
- [add-password-to-pdf](https://freetoolsfr.com/add-password-to-pdf)

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Source: https://freetoolsfr.com/protect-pdf-without-adobe
Site: https://freetoolsfr.com