PDF Password Protector - Free Desktop App
Add password protection to PDFs with AES-256 encryption. Control printing, copying, editing permissions. No uploads, works offline.
How it works
- 1 Download FileHop Free · 144 MB · Mac & Windows
- 2 Open the folder with your files It opens like Finder or File Explorer.
- 3 Right-click your file Pick the tool you need — it runs instantly, on your device.
All processing happens locally on your computer. Your password never leaves your device.
Just 144 MB
Why Desktop PDF Protector Beats Online Tools
| Feature | Online Tools | FileHop Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Upload Required | ❌ Required | 🎯 Never |
| File Size Limit | ❌ 50MB max | ♾️ Unlimited |
| Speed | ⏳ Slow (upload/download) | ⚡ Instant |
| Batch Processing | ❌ 1 file | ✅ 1000s |
| Privacy | ⚠️ Risky (cloud upload) | 🔒 100% Local |
| No Watermark | ⚠️ Sometimes added | ✅ Never |
| Offline | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free ✅ |
Enterprise-Grade Security
Protect your documents with industry-standard encryption
Open Password
Require a password to open and view the PDF. Without the password, the document cannot be read.
Owner Password
Set a separate password to control permissions like printing, copying, and editing.
AES-256 Encryption
Military-grade encryption that would take billions of years to crack with current technology.
Granular Permission Controls
Decide exactly what recipients can do with your PDF
Printing Control
Allow or prevent printing. Choose high-quality or low-resolution only.
Copy Prevention
Prevent text and image copying to stop unauthorized redistribution.
Edit Protection
Lock the document to prevent any modifications or form filling.
Comment Control
Allow or prevent adding comments, annotations, and markup.
Why Choose FileHop Desktop?
Privacy First
Files never leave your computer. No cloud upload, no data collection, 100% local.
Lightning Fast
Process files 10x faster than online tools. No upload wait, no download wait.
No Limits
Convert unlimited files of any size. Batch process thousands in one click.
Batch Processing
Convert, compress, or edit hundreds of files at once — a whole folder in one go.
Works Offline
No internet required. Perfect for flights, secure environments.
Free to Use
No trial limits, no watermarks, no credit card required.
When You Need This
Real scenarios where password-protecting a PDF solves a specific problem.
Protect confidential court filings
Sealed documents and filings containing sensitive information need password protection before submission.
Learn more →Protect confidential work documents
Contracts, financial reports, and HR documents shared via Slack or email should be password-protected.
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PDF protector really free?
Yes, completely free with no limits. Protect unlimited PDF files with passwords, as many times as you want. No watermarks, no signup, no credit card required.
How secure is the encryption?
FileHop uses AES-256 encryption, the same standard used by banks and governments. It would take billions of years to crack with current computing technology.
Do my PDFs get uploaded to a server?
Never. All encryption happens locally on your computer. Your passwords and files never leave your device - critical for sensitive documents.
What's the difference between open and owner passwords?
Open password is required to view the document. Owner password controls permissions (printing, copying, editing) but isn't needed to open the file. You can set both for maximum control.
Can I remove password protection later?
Yes, use FileHop's 'Unlock PDF' feature. You'll need the current password to remove protection.
Will protected PDFs work in all PDF readers?
Yes, password-protected PDFs work in Adobe Acrobat, Preview, Chrome, and all standard PDF readers. The recipient just needs to enter the password.
Does it work offline?
Yes, FileHop works 100% offline after installation. No internet required - your passwords never touch a server.
What platforms are supported?
Mac (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows (10, 11). Download the version for your operating system.