Add a password that is required to open the PDF
FigureOwl creates a new encrypted copy of your PDF. Anyone who receives that copy must enter the password before a compatible PDF reader can display its pages. The original file on your device is not modified or deleted.
Real AES-256 PDF encryption
The tool uses qpdf in WebAssembly to apply 256-bit AES encryption using the PDF 2.0 security handler. It verifies the downloaded result is encrypted, requires a password and still contains the original number of pages before making it available to you.
Choose a password that resists guessing
Encryption strength cannot compensate for a weak password. Use at least 16 random characters or a long, unique passphrase. Do not reuse an email, banking or workplace password. The built-in generator uses your browser's cryptographically secure random number generator and creates a 20-character password.
Store the password before you close the page
FigureOwl cannot recover, reset or reveal a forgotten password. Save it in a reputable password manager before sending or archiving the protected PDF. Keep an unencrypted original in a secure location if you may need to revise the document later.
Send the file and password separately
If a document is sensitive, avoid placing the protected PDF and its password in the same email or chat. For example, send the document by email and provide the password by phone or another trusted channel. Confirm the recipient before sharing either item.
Know what password protection can and cannot do
Password protection helps when a file is intercepted, misplaced or opened by the wrong person. After an authorized recipient opens it, they may still take screenshots, photograph the screen or create another copy. Encryption does not replace careful access control, secure sharing or a retention policy.
Browser-local privacy
The selected PDF and password are processed in browser memory and are not uploaded to FigureOwl. The protection engine is downloaded as part of the website, then the encryption work happens on your device. FigureOwl does not retain the document or password.
Check the protected copy before relying on it
Open the downloaded file in the PDF reader your recipient will use. Confirm it asks for the password, rejects an incorrect password and opens every page with the correct one. Adding or changing encryption may invalidate an existing digital signature, so verify signed documents separately.