Protect PDF API
Encrypt and secure PDF documents before distribution.
No credit card requiredProtect PDF API Overview
The Protect PDF API allows you to apply encryption, passwords, and permission rules to PDF documents as part of an automated document workflow. It is designed for use cases where access to PDFs needs to be controlled and sensitive content must be protected before sharing or storage.
Protecting a PDF helps prevent unauthorized access, editing, or copying of document content. This is commonly used to secure documents that contain confidential information, legal data, or internal business materials.
This endpoint can be used on its own or combined with other PDFGate endpoints. A typical workflow includes generating a PDF, applying protection rules to restrict access or permissions, and then distributing the secured document to end users.
The Protect PDF API is well suited for SaaS platforms, internal systems, and document automation workflows that require consistent, programmatic PDF security without manual intervention.
Useful Guides
Quick Start
Get started quickly with a single API call. This endpoint fits easily into your existing workflows and works with any language that can make HTTP requests, including Node.js, Python, PHP, and more. Use the examples to protect a PDF in just a few steps.
curl -X POST "https://api.pdfgate.com/protect/pdf" \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-F "file=@YOUR_FILE.pdf" \
-F "ownerPassword=ownerPassword" \
-F "userPassword=userPassword" \
-F "disablePrint=true" \
-F "disableCopy=true" \
-F "disableEditing=true" \
--output protectedFile.pdf
API Parameters
File
The PDF file you want to protect. You must provide either this or documentId.
Document Id
The ID of a PDF that already exists in your PDFGate account. Use this instead of uploading a file again.
Algorithm
The encryption algorithm to use. Defaults to AES256. Acceptable values: AES256, AES128.
User Password
Password required to open the protected PDF. If not provided, the document can still be accessed but user-level protection may not apply.
Owner Password
Owner password granting full control over the PDF, including the ability to change permissions or remove restrictions.
Disable Print
When set to true, prevents the PDF from being printed.
Disable Copy
When true, disables copying or extraction of text and images from the document.
Disable Editing
When true, prevents modifications to the PDF, such as annotation or content changes.
Encrypt Metadata
Determines whether the document’s metadata (title, author, keywords, etc.) should be encrypted. Defaults to false.
Json Response
If it is set to true, the API will return a JSON response instead of the PDF file.
Pre Signed Url Expires In
Expiration time (in seconds) for the generated temporary download URL.
Metadata
Custom metadata you want to attach to the document.
