How to password protect a PDF on a Mac computer to secure sensitive files

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Macbook Air

  • You can password protect a PDF on a Mac computer in a few simple steps using the Preview app. 
  • Adding password protection to a PDF can make the file even more secure and is the best practice when sharing any sensitive information.
  • A PDF is one of the best ways to share information because the files can be unalterable — unlike with a Word or Pages document that’s easily edited and added to, PDF content is locked in place.
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It takes about 10 seconds to add password protection to a PDF when you use a Mac’s Preview software, and those few seconds you invest could save you hours of work and thousands of dollars if securing that document now prevents information theft later.

Whenever you are sharing a PDF with even potentially sensitive information, such as your address, bank info, Social Security number, and more, you owe it to yourself to encrypt the file, securing it with a password.

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

Here’s the quick and easy process for doing it.

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MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

1. Open the PDF that you want to password protect, then click “File” in the taskbar at the top of the screen. 

2. Select “Export…” from the dropdown menu.

3. At the bottom of the pop-up window, check the box next to “Encrypt.”

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

4. Enter a password, then re-enter it where indicated to verify, then hit save.

How to password protect a PDF on Mac

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