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PDF ToolBuilt into the unified PDF editor

Encrypt a PDF

Lock your PDFs with a password and finely manage permissions: printing, copying, modifying. Directly in DocuNest's unified PDF editor.

Encrypt a PDF in DocuNest: 100% local processing on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Automatable via the docunest CLI.

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Encrypt a PDF
Preview of Encrypt a PDF in DocuNest, offline PDF app

Built into the unified PDF editor. This tool is used directly within the DocuNest editor: open your PDF, apply the action, undo with Ctrl+Z if needed, then move on to any other tool — without ever reloading your file.

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Features

Choice of AES-128 or AES-256 encryption
User password required upon opening
Fine-grained permissions: allow or deny printing, copying, and modification
No data sent to a server
Undo available (Ctrl+Z) and revert to the original document

Use cases

1

Sensitive documents

Protect contracts or personal data before emailing them.

2

Controlled distribution

Allow reading but deny printing and copying of your documents.

3

Secure archiving

Encrypt your PDF archives to prevent unauthorized access.

Command line

Same result as the interface, in one command. Nothing leaves your machine.

docunest — zsh

local
# Encrypt a PDF
❯ docunest pdf encrypt -i document.pdf --user-password "secret" --strength aes256 -o result.pdf
✓ Done — file written locally, no network upload

Complete CLI documentation →

Frequently asked questions

What security level is used?
You choose between AES-128 and AES-256. AES-256 is the highest standard for PDF protection.
Can I prevent printing or copying?
Yes. In addition to the opening password, you set permissions: allow or deny printing, copying, and modifying the content.
Can I remove the password later?
Yes, provided you know the document's current password.
Is the encryption done locally?
Yes. Everything happens on your machine, no data is transmitted.

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Sign a PDF

Sign your PDFs: draw your signature with your finger or mouse, or import an image (PNG, JPEG), then drag, resize, and rotate it on the page. Directly in DocuNest's unified PDF editor.

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Windows.exe · Windows 10+macOS.dmg · macOS 12+ · Apple Silicon

Linux

Install a system package, or use the AppImage if you prefer a portable version.

DEBDebian / Ubuntu.deb · system installRPMFedora / RHEL.rpm · system installAPPAppImagePortable, no install

Windows 10+, macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon), Linux (deb / rpm / AppImage)