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Password-protect a PDF on a Mac

Preview, included with macOS, can save a PDF that needs a password to open. It can also set an owner password that controls printing, copying text and other changes.

With Preview

  1. Open the PDF in Preview and choose File > Export. To keep the original without a password, type a new name for the protected copy.
  2. Click the Permissions button.
  3. Select Require Password To Open Document, type a password and type it again.
  4. Under Owner Password, type a password twice. Leave an action unchecked to require the owner password for it.
  5. Click Apply, then click Save.

Apple says the changes take effect the next time the PDF is opened.

Source: Password-protect a PDF in Preview on Mac (Apple Support, checked 13 Nov 2026)

In your browser, with Lemurfile

Processed in your browser

Open Protect a PDF with a password

On that page:

  1. Drop your PDF on the box above, or click Choose a file.
  2. Type the password to open the PDF twice. If you want, also block printing, copying or editing, with a different permissions password.
  3. Click Protect PDF and download the protected file.