PDF Guides
Password Protect a PDF on Mac Without Acrobat
You don't need Adobe Acrobat to put a password on a PDF on Mac. macOS's built-in Preview app can do it, and a browser-based tool works too if you want something faster or need to do it from a non-Mac device later.
Option 1: Preview's built-in encryption
Every Mac comes with Preview installed, and it has a genuine password-protect feature. Open the PDF in Preview, choose File > Export, click the Permissions button, check "Require Password To Open Document," and enter and confirm your password. Preview uses AES-128 encryption and everything happens locally on your Mac — nothing is uploaded anywhere.
- Open the PDF in Preview
- Choose File > Export
- Click Permissions, then check "Require Password To Open Document"
- Enter and confirm your password, then export
Option 2: a browser-based tool
If you'd rather not dig through Preview's menus, or you need to protect a PDF from a Chromebook, iPad, or any device without Preview, a browser-based password-protect tool works the same way — upload the file, set a password, and download the encrypted copy. It also runs entirely in your browser, so the file never leaves your device.
Which one should you use?
Preview is a solid choice if you're already on a Mac and want a fully offline, built-in option. A browser tool is more convenient if you're switching between devices, want a quicker workflow without navigating Preview's export menu, or you're not on a Mac at all.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy anything to password protect a PDF on Mac?
No. Preview, which comes preinstalled on every Mac, can password protect a PDF for free using its Export and Permissions options.
What encryption does Preview use?
Preview uses AES-128 encryption when password-protecting a PDF through its Export options.
Is there a faster option than Preview's menus?
A browser-based password-protect tool can be quicker, and works the same way on any device, not just Mac.
Can I remove a password I set later?
Yes, use an unlock PDF tool with the password you set to remove it again when you no longer need the file protected.