# Password Protect PDF: Arthize vs Soda PDF

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/soda-pdf/protect-pdf_

To password-protect a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private password protect pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Soda PDF. Protecting a PDF encrypts it with a password, so only people with the password can open the file — the encryption travels with the document.

## Arthize's password protect pdf vs Soda PDF

Soda PDF is a PDF suite with online and desktop editions. Soda PDF sells online and desktop editions on a subscription model.

**Arthize's approach:** Protecting a PDF encrypts it with a password, so only people with the password can open the file — the encryption travels with the document.

- Transparent pricing: free forever, Pro from $6/mo or $48/yr, and a one-time $149 lifetime option.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- No subscription needed for core tools.

## How to password-protect a PDF with Arthize

Password protection encrypts the PDF so it can't be opened without the password.

The encryption travels with the file, unlike a folder lock that stays on your computer.

A separate permissions password can restrict printing or copying.

## How to password-protect a PDF with Arthize

1. **Open the protect tool** — Sign in and open the Protect tool.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the document you want to encrypt.
3. **Set a password** — Choose a strong open password and, optionally, a permissions password.
4. **Download** — Get an encrypted PDF that requires the password to open.

## FAQ

### Is Arthize a good Soda PDF alternative to password-protect a PDF?

Yes. Protecting a PDF encrypts it with a password, so only people with the password can open the file — the encryption travels with the document. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. Soda PDF offers a broad feature set for teams that want a full desktop suite.

### How do I password-protect a PDF?

Protecting a PDF encrypts it with a password, so only people with the password can open the file — the encryption travels with the document. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Is a password-protected PDF actually encrypted?

Protecting a PDF encrypts it with a password, so only people with the password can open the file — the encryption travels with the document. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.