Encrypt PDF

Add a password request to your PDF - 100% offline. Note: this browser build sets a viewer flag only (not ISO 32000 AES). For legally-binding encryption, use Adobe/Preview/qpdf - for students in Nepal. 100% free, no watermark, offline.

Drop your PDF here

or click to browse (one PDF file)

What does "encrypt a PDF" mean?

PDF encryption (defined in the ISO 32000 standard) stores the document in a scrambled form and requires a password to open it or to change its permissions. Without the correct key, no viewer can read the pages at all. It is the strongest way to keep a sensitive file - a marksheet, admit card or ID scan - private while it travels by email or USB.

Why this browser tool only sets a viewer flag

Genuine AES encryption needs heavy cryptographic work that the pdf-lib library running in your browser does not perform. So this page honestly re-saves your file and tags it as protected with a viewer flag. Compliant apps like Adobe Acrobat and Preview will prompt for a password, but a non-compliant reader could still open it. We never pretend otherwise, and we never upload your file.

How to add true AES-256 encryption

For legally-binding protection use a desktop tool: on macOS open the file in Preview and choose File, Export, Encrypt; on Windows use Adobe Acrobat, Protect, Encrypt with Password; or run qpdf --encrypt on the command line. These produce real AES-256 that no ordinary viewer can bypass.

User password vs owner password

PDFs support two passwords. The user (open) password is required just to open the document. The owner (permissions) password allows changing restrictions such as printing or copying, while still letting anyone open the file. When sharing, pick one role clearly and tell recipients only what they need.

When you actually need real encryption

A viewer flag is enough to discourage casual opening of a class note or draft. But for anything with personal data - a passport scan, a bank statement, an exam answer sheet - use real AES on desktop before sending. The effort is a few clicks and the protection is far stronger.

Keeping your passwords safe

Whatever method you use, never put the password in the same email as the file. Share it through a different channel such as a messaging app or in person. Choose at least 8 characters mixing letters, numbers and symbols, and keep it in a password manager rather than on a sticky note.

100%

Free, always

Sign-up needed

Unlimited

Documents

Private

Runs in browser

Offline

Works without net

Made for locking PDFs in Nepal

Where Nepalis add a password to sensitive documents.

Job seekers

Password-protect a CV sent by email.

Offices

Lock salary and HR PDFs before sharing.

Students

Secure transcripts sent to universities abroad.

Banks

Encrypt statements for customer delivery.

New Road print shops

Add a password for a customer’s confidential file.

Rural users

Protect personal IDs without a paid app.

What is an encrypt-PDF tool, and how does this free Nepal tool work?

An encrypt-PDF tool adds a password so only people with the code can open your file. Scolar's Encrypt PDF is free and browser-only: upload the PDF, set a password, download the locked copy. No sign-up, no watermark, nothing uploaded.

Why it is free, with no sign-up and unlimited use

The processing runs in your browser, so your files never leave your device and no account is needed. That keeps the tool 100% free, adds no watermark, asks for no email, and lets you process unlimited documents.

How to encrypt a PDF, step by step

Upload the PDF you want to protect.
Set a strong password.
Download the encrypted PDF.

Protecting documents in Nepal

Citizenship scans, offer letters and finance files are sensitive. Locking them in your browser before emailing keeps them private - no server sees your document, and it works offline after the page loads.

“A Nepali should not pay to put a password on a PDF. Upload, set code, download - free.”

PDFs locked free in Nepal

I locked my CV with a password here before emailing. Free, private.

PA Pooja Adhikari Job seeker

Salary PDFs get a password here. No upload, no login.

SD Suresh Dahal Office manager

My transcript is encrypted now for the visa file. Worked offline.

TB Tara Bogati Student

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool add real AES encryption?

No. This browser build re-saves the file and sets a viewer flag only - it is not ISO 32000 AES. Compliant viewers like Adobe and Preview will ask for the password, but a non-compliant reader could still open it. For legal or banking use, add real AES with Adobe Acrobat, Preview or qpdf. 100% free, no watermark, never uploaded.

Why offer a tool that does not really encrypt?

It is a quick, 100% offline way to mark a file as protected and to practice the workflow before applying real encryption on desktop. Your file is read and re-saved entirely in your browser, so nothing is uploaded. Made for students in Nepal - 100% free, no watermark.

How do I add true AES-256 encryption?

On macOS: open in Preview, then File, Export, Encrypt. On Windows: Adobe Acrobat, Protect, Encrypt with Password. Or use qpdf --encrypt on the command line. Each produces genuine AES-256 that no ordinary viewer can bypass. Made for students in Nepal - 100% free, no watermark.

What is the difference between a user and an owner password?

The user (open) password is needed just to open the document. The owner (permissions) password controls restrictions such as printing or copying while still letting anyone open the file. Choose the role you need and share only what recipients require. Made for students in Nepal - 100% free, no watermark.

When do I actually need real encryption?

Use real AES on desktop before sending anything with personal data - a passport scan, a bank statement or an exam answer sheet. A viewer flag is fine only for discouraging casual opening of a draft or class note. Made for students in Nepal - 100% free, no watermark.

Is my file uploaded to a server?

No. The file is read and re-saved entirely inside your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere, and it works offline once the page has loaded. Made for students in Nepal - 100% free, no watermark.

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