List of the Top 19 Free PDF Encryption Software in 2025

MobiPDF, previously known as PDF Extra, serves as a user-friendly platform for reading and editing PDFs, offering features such as creating, organizing, annotating, filling, signing, converting, and sharing any PDF file. This versatile tool stands out as a cost-effective substitute for Adobe Acrobat Pro, catering to a wide array of user needs. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH MOBIPDF: Multiple Viewing Options: Utilize a focused "Read Mode" for an uninterrupted reading experience. Sophisticated Editing Capabilities: Engage with a PDF editing interface reminiscent of Word. Bidirectional Conversions: Effortlessly transform PDFs into and from formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or images. OCR Integration: Enhance scanned documents by making them searchable. Annotation Features: Utilize tools to highlight, comment, strikethrough, stamp, and more to improve your documents. Simple PDF Management: Easily reorder, compress, split, and merge PDFs as you need. Signing and Security: Incorporate signatures, create and fill out forms, and safeguard your PDFs with passwords, encryption, and digital certificates. Offline Functionality: Continue working on your files without needing an internet connection. Instant Translation: Translate any PDF into over 50 languages with just a click. Overall, MobiPDF combines essential features and user-friendly design, making it a reliable choice for anyone needing comprehensive PDF tools.

PDFCreator is an efficient and multifunctional software that allows users to transform any document that can be printed into a PDF, as well as into other formats like JPG and PNG. This tool is particularly beneficial for managing text files, images, and presentations, facilitating a smoother workflow. Its key features include: Effortlessly converting documents from any application into PDF, JPG, PNG, and other formats. Combining several files into a single PDF document, enhancing organization and accessibility. Establishing automatic saving and creating a fully automated PDF printer, which saves time and minimizes manual tasks. Quick access to commonly used settings with a single click, making repetitive processes faster and more efficient. PDFCreator streamlines the conversion, security, and organization of your PDFs with features such as digital signatures and password protection. Businesses globally rely on PDFCreator for their document conversion and management needs, emphasizing the tool's reliability and effectiveness. We cherish the trust our clients place in us by selecting PDFCreator as their preferred PDF solution. Whether you are an occasional user or a corporate professional, PDFCreator provides a versatile, efficient, and user-friendly approach to all your document requirements. We express our gratitude to all our clients for partnering with us and contributing to our success.

SodaPDF offers a comprehensive software solution designed to help businesses efficiently accomplish their document-related tasks with ease. Whether you need to edit, create, convert, or sign PDFs, this versatile tool caters to all your specific needs. By utilizing the top PDF editor and converter available, you can seamlessly modify your documents. The user-friendly PDF tools streamline any document workflow, enhancing productivity. Notably, our Batch tool stands out as the quickest Microsoft Office-to-PDF converter on the market, enabling you to generate or convert multiple PDFs simultaneously. Additionally, you can effortlessly add page numbers, watermarks, and Bates numbering to numerous files or folders in one go. The E-Sign feature facilitates the remote signing, management, and tracking of electronic signatures, making it an invaluable asset for modern business practices. With OCR Edit, you save valuable time by eliminating the necessity to retype text, as it allows for quick searching, recognition, and modification of images or scanned documents. Furthermore, you can access the complete suite of Soda PDF tools and services from your desktop or any web-enabled device, ensuring flexibility and convenience in managing your documents. This adaptability makes SodaPDF an essential resource for any organization looking to enhance its document efficiency.

The pdfRest API Toolkit was crafted by developers for developers, enabling swift integration of PDF workflows into business applications with ease and efficiency. This toolkit encompasses a comprehensive suite of PDF processing tools created by digital document specialists who possess decades of expertise to simplify your tasks: it offers conversions such as PDF to Word, PDF to Excel, and PDF to PowerPoint, along with functionalities like adding to PDFs, text extraction, querying PDFs, converting to various formats, and compressing PDFs. Additionally, it provides features for flattening forms, transparencies, annotations, and layers, as well as merging, splitting, encrypting, decrypting, and watermarking PDFs, along with form data management, OCR capabilities, and file uploads and zipping. Users will find extensive documentation featuring intuitive endpoints and parameters, along with sample code in .NET, JavaScript, Python, PHP, and cURL for every endpoint to facilitate smooth operation. Powered by the renowned Adobe® PDF Library™, it allows users to begin without any financial commitment and offers competitive pricing suitable for projects of any scale. The design of pdfRest emphasizes flexibility, allowing APIs to be accessed from any programming language capable of making API requests, making it a versatile choice for developers aiming to simplify their PDF workflow. Start your journey with your first API call today and experience the ease of PDF management firsthand.

Smallpdf, hailing from Switzerland—a country renowned for its precision in watchmaking, banking excellence, and minimalist design—has garnered multiple accolades for its cutting-edge document management solutions. Established in 2013, the company offers a straightforward, dependable, and secure alternative to cumbersome PDF software options. With a user base exceeding 500 million individuals and 100,000 businesses across 24 languages and every corner of the globe, including the remote regions of Antarctica, Smallpdf has become the go-to choice for PDF management. Its tools are designed to enhance both professional and personal workflows, thereby boosting efficiency and transforming document handling into a hassle-free experience. Users can easily compress, convert, edit, sign, protect, and unlock PDFs in just a few simple steps, making document management more accessible than ever before. This commitment to user-friendliness has solidified Smallpdf's reputation as a beloved resource for anyone dealing with PDF files.

PDF24 offers a variety of easy-to-use online tools for handling PDF files, created by geek software GmbH, a German company that has been in operation since 2006. This platform provides free solutions for numerous PDF-related issues, accessible through both downloadable software and web applications, with the widely-used PDF24 Creator being among them. Though they operate with a small team, the PDF24 staff is passionately dedicated to improving PDF solutions that serve countless users around the world. Their commitment has resulted in the successful introduction of the PDF24 Creator and a range of online tools that have attracted millions of users globally. Additionally, PDF24 includes PDF24 Fax, an online service that allows users to send and receive faxes without the need for a physical fax machine. The ongoing focus on innovation ensures that PDF24 remains a trusted source for all PDF-related needs, continually evolving to meet the demands of its users. Furthermore, the user-friendly interface of PDF24 tools enhances the overall experience, making document management seamless and efficient.

Presenting a cutting-edge PDF editor tailored for the needs of modern workplaces, simplifying the process of converting and editing documents. This tool allows you to manage all your PDF files efficiently from one centralized platform. To get started, simply open PDF Master and drag your desired PDF into the workspace. You can then utilize the available editing features to add elements like text and images as needed. Once you have made your adjustments, you can review the document and choose to either download it or share it instantly. Our state-of-the-art encryption ensures that your sensitive information remains protected throughout the entire conversion process. You can trust that we prioritize your privacy with our robust security protocols. There's no necessity for software installations or browser extensions; our service operates smoothly across desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, compatible with leading operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Effortlessly convert files whenever and wherever you are, using only your web browser, without requiring any specialized technical knowledge. Simply upload or drag and drop your file onto the platform, select the format you need, edit to your satisfaction, and we take care of the rest seamlessly. Embrace the ease and security that our user-friendly PDF editing solution offers, and elevate your document management experience today. Moreover, our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we are always adding features that enhance functionality and user experience.

Protect your sensitive information with AES 256-bit military-grade encryption or secure your files from unauthorized viewing to avoid any invasive scrutiny! With Folder Lock, you can swiftly lock and hide files and folders in just a few seconds. This robust application empowers you to implement password protection, guaranteeing that no one can access your files, folders, or drives without your consent. Once a folder is secured, it vanishes from its original location and can only be accessed through the software interface. Folder Lock acts as a virtual safe, creating secure 'Lockers' for your important data. Picture storing your files in a digital ‘Locker’ that offers more security than a bank vault! Setting up these ‘Lockers’ is a breeze with AES 256-bit encryption. You won’t need to worry about manually encrypting or decrypting files when you wish to view them; simply copy them into the Locker, and they will be automatically secured. Furthermore, Folder Lock features a dual encryption and backup solution, enabling you to seamlessly back up your encrypted ‘Lockers’ online for additional security. This capability not only strengthens your data protection but also provides peace of mind, assuring you that your files are shielded from unwanted scrutiny. By utilizing this tool, you can confidently manage your digital privacy and ensure that your important information remains inaccessible to others.

PDFelement serves as an all-in-one PDF solution driven by artificial intelligence, providing a quick, intelligent, cost-effective, and user-friendly approach to handling PDF documents on desktop, mobile, and web platforms. It ensures an exceptional user experience, making it a strong alternative to Adobe® Acrobat® that suits both individuals and small businesses perfectly. The company is dedicated to leading the PDF technology landscape by continuously innovating and enhancing its product to adapt to the changing needs of its users. Key features that set it apart include: Intelligent: It offers the most advanced method for managing PDF forms and documents, utilizing AI capabilities. Versatile: The desktop application is accessible through an annual or perpetual license fee, providing flexibility to users. Cost-effective: It provides features that rival those of Adobe Acrobat DC while being available at a significantly reduced price, offering savings of up to 50%. Extremely Fast: The software is designed to be lightweight, ensuring that even beginners enjoy a smoother user experience with a minimal learning curve. In addition, PDFelement’s commitment to user satisfaction is evident in its regular updates and responsive customer support.

PDFescape provides a free online service that allows users to edit PDFs and complete forms with ease. This intuitive platform empowers individuals to read, alter, and create PDF documents without the need for any advanced software, making it a practical choice for those looking to efficiently handle their PDF files. It can be accessed via any modern web browser with an internet connection, offering a range of features such as the ability to insert text, shapes, and whiteout sections of PDF documents. Users also have the option to crop, deskew, rearrange, remove, or add pages according to their preferences. The service allows for the creation of hyperlinks to other pages within the PDF or to external sites, along with the capability to change PDF metadata. Security measures are included, such as the ability to password-protect documents. Moreover, users can add images and digitally sign documents with a scanned signature. Completing forms is straightforward, with support for pre-existing fields or by using the text tool for customization. It accommodates essential field types like text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, lists, and dropdown menus, offering basic calculation and formatting features for those fields. Additionally, the platform facilitates smooth navigation between fields using the tab key, which enhances the overall user experience and efficiency. This combination of accessibility and functionality makes PDFescape an excellent choice for anyone needing to edit or fill out PDF documents online.

Files can be effortlessly dragged and dropped from Windows Explorer into PaperScan, where users can view important information such as resolution, dimensions, and color mode of the images. The application also offers the capability to handle encrypted PDFs, enabling it to read and create new encrypted documents. Moreover, it features bitonal filters designed to remove stray pixels or alter text through processes like dilation and erosion. Users can further personalize their documents with a variety of effects, including contour, sepia, and scanline, alongside tools such as a freehand pen, rubber stamp, ruler, polygon ruler, and both standard and freehand highlighters. Additionally, PaperScan provides automatic color detection, the ability to identify and eliminate blank pages, as well as adjustments for color attributes like brightness, contrast, saturation, and gamma levels. This comprehensive array of tools and features establishes PaperScan as an excellent choice for individuals aiming to optimize their document processing workflows. Its versatility and user-friendly interface contribute significantly to enhancing productivity in managing images and documents.

Xvast is a rapid and secure web browser based on the robust foundation of Chrome, equipped with the latest HTML5 features, including a media playlist and PDF viewer, as well as encrypted PDF DRM functionality. It supports DRM-X 4.0 protection, enabling users to effortlessly access premium content that is safeguarded. The browser is designed to encrypt multiple file types, such as web pages (HTM, HTML), audio, video, PDFs, images, and JavaScript, ensuring security across various formats. With its integrated HTML5 Video DRM protection, users can enjoy high-definition video playback regardless of whether they are online or offline. Recent enhancements have brought about improved security measures, memory optimization, a convenient PDF download button, and clearer error messages for a better user experience. Furthermore, Xvast facilitates the import of files from third-party applications directly into iOS and rectifies issues related to messy coding on non-UTF8 webpages, allowing for an optimal display of content. The core engine of Xvast has been updated to Chrome 85, which resolves the Android 10 spin crash issue, leading to smoother audio streaming and high-definition video playback while also extending battery life. As Xvast continues to develop, it is committed to refining the browsing journey with each new update that is released. The ongoing advancements not only improve functionality but also enhance user satisfaction significantly.

Discover a modern approach to sharing that emphasizes user confidence and security, all within a user-friendly platform designed for ease of use. This powerful tool enables users to share, compress, and encrypt files effortlessly through an intuitive interface. You can quickly send files to various locations while enjoying heightened security features, including military-grade encryption and options for time-sensitive sharing. Additionally, you can take advantage of extensive cloud service integrations with providers like OpenStack, SwiftStack, Alibaba, Wasabi, HP, Oracle, Azure, WebDAV, CenturyLink, IONOS, and OVH. Combine multiple PDF documents into a single file for easier storage, compression, or distribution. Streamline your workflow by sharing directly through Slack IM, and efficiently manage files that have been shared via WinZip or ZipShare. Users have the flexibility to open, view, re-share, or delete files as needed, while also tracking Zip files distributed through WinZip or ZipShare. Enhance your communication capabilities by emailing contacts directly from WinZip, pulling in entries from various supported sources into a centralized address book for quick access. This efficient system not only simplifies the sharing process but also significantly boosts productivity in your collaborative projects, making teamwork smoother and more effective. The seamless integration of these tools allows for a more dynamic and organized approach to file management and sharing.

For those looking for an economical alternative to Adobe Acrobat, PDFill is worth considering. This software includes the Free PDF Writer, which lets you create PDFs or images from any source that can be printed, completely free of charge. Furthermore, the Free PDF Tools offer a range of functionalities such as merging, splitting, rearranging, removing, encrypting, decrypting, rotating, cropping, and reformatting PDF pages, along with the capability to insert headers, footers, watermarks, and convert images to and from PDFs. You can even scan hard copies directly into PDF format and take advantage of the FREE PDF Editor to fill out forms, add text, insert comments, and create forms. Additionally, PDFill's PDF Editor provides an extensive set of features at a significantly lower cost than Adobe Acrobat, making it more flexible than the free Adobe Reader. Users can group text, shapes, or images into a composite object and lock it to prevent further modifications. The option to save the PDFill Object for later use is also available, and the ability to scan paper documents or pictures into new or existing PDFs simplifies the process of digital editing and completion. Ultimately, PDFill not only boosts efficiency but also offers a wealth of tools tailored to various PDF needs, ensuring users can manage their documents effectively. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, PDFill stands out as a practical choice for anyone needing reliable PDF solutions.

Icecream PDF Editor is a user-friendly and free PDF editing tool designed for Windows users, enabling both the creation and modification of PDF files seamlessly. It offers four primary editing modes: Edit, Annotate, and Manage pages, along with the capability to fill in forms. This versatile editor provides functionalities for editing text and objects, adding comments, organizing pages, merging multiple PDFs, and securing files. Utilizing the best PDF editor can significantly boost your efficiency when handling PDF documents. You have the ability to easily modify any text within a PDF file and visually arrange, reorder, split, or merge pages as needed. Additionally, creating PDF documents from scratch is a straightforward process. For document security, you can implement password protection or restrict editing and copying permissions. Built-in forms are available for completion directly within PDF documents, while you can also add annotations, highlight sections, and strike through or emphasize text as needed. The search functionality allows for quick navigation through the document prior to making edits, and for enhanced proofreading, you can design custom stamps for your specific needs. Overall, Icecream PDF Editor is an excellent option for anyone looking to manage their PDF files efficiently.

FormatPDF is an online platform that provides an array of tools designed for managing PDF documents. Among its offerings are functions for converting, merging, splitting, compressing, and encrypting PDFs, along with options for editing and adding annotations. The site enables users to transform various document types, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, into PDF format seamlessly. Additionally, it allows for the consolidation of multiple PDFs into a single file or the division of larger PDFs into smaller segments for easier handling. At FormatPDF.com, users can not only convert and manipulate their PDF files but also enhance their security and quality. The platform includes features for compressing PDFs, effectively reducing the size of large documents for easier sharing and storage. Moreover, users with the appropriate credentials can implement password protection on their PDFs to control access or decrypt files that are secured. This makes FormatPDF a versatile tool for both personal and professional use, catering to a wide range of document management needs.

PDFEncrypt is a freely available, open-source software that empowers users to safeguard their PDF documents using well-established encryption techniques. Encrypting a PDF file ensures that its contents are protected from unauthorized individuals. To gain access to the document, a user must input the correct password, which is essential for viewing it in programs such as Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat. This tool allows for the encryption of any regular PDF file without any charges, thereby removing the necessity of purchasing Adobe Acrobat or risking the security of sensitive files by using third-party servers for encryption. The application is designed to work directly on Windows PCs, enabling users to create a password for document access while providing various customizable options and permissions for the PDF, making it an adaptable solution for enhancing document security. With PDFEncrypt, individuals can effectively manage their private information and maintain confidentiality without depending on expensive software or online encryption services. Ultimately, this tool represents a significant advancement in personal data protection.

Create and manage PDFs without cost, while also being able to compress, split, and merge documents, as well as secure them with encryption and design forms easily, all from any Windows-based application. Enhance your PDF files by effortlessly adding form fields, text stamps, watermarks, letterheads, and additional elements to improve their appearance and functionality. The software boasts an appealing and user-friendly interface, which significantly reduces the time needed for training. After generating your PDFs, you can conveniently open other applications such as CIB doXisafe or CIB fairBrief for further management. This system includes features specifically designed for users with visual impairments, ensuring accessibility for all. A wide array of customization options enables you to create tailored profiles for various purposes and modify menu labels according to your preferences. Its adaptable interface makes it easy to integrate with your current setup, allowing for a seamless experience. You can create PDFs, compress files, and perform extensive editing—such as rearranging, rotating, and removing pages—combine multiple PDFs, fill out forms (which will have a DEMO stamp), and take advantage of numerous other functionalities! Whether your goal is to create, compress, or edit PDFs, this software provides a comprehensive range of user-friendly features to meet your needs effectively. Additionally, the continuous updates ensure that you will always have access to the latest tools and enhancements for optimal productivity.

PDFTool places a strong emphasis on protecting user privacy while providing a platform for handling PDF documents online. Users can easily merge different PDFs, divide documents, and extract text from scanned files without registering for an account or dealing with advertisements on the site. As all tasks are performed directly within the browser, it enables users to disconnect from the internet once they have accessed the required tool page. This ensures that your sensitive PDF files stay private and secure from unwanted scrutiny. Moreover, the straightforward design of the interface contributes to a seamless user experience, making PDF management straightforward and available to all. The commitment to privacy and ease of use makes PDFTool a reliable choice for anyone needing to handle PDF files efficiently.