password protect pdf: arthize vs nitro pdf →

Password Protect PDF: Arthize vs Nitro PDF

Updated July 2026

To password-protect a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private password protect pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Nitro 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 Nitro PDF

Nitro PDF is a business-focused PDF and e-signature platform. Nitro sells a business PDF and e-signature platform on per-seat licensing.

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.
  • No per-seat licensing to start.
  • 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.

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. 1

    Open the protect tool

    Sign in and open the Protect tool.

  2. 2

    Add your PDF

    Upload the document you want to encrypt.

  3. 3

    Set a password

    Choose a strong open password and, optionally, a permissions password.

  4. 4

    Download

    Get an encrypted PDF that requires the password to open.

Common questions

Is Arthize a good Nitro 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. Nitro is a considered choice for larger organisations standardising on one vendor.
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.

Related

Everything is in one window.

Arthize bundles 50+ PDF tools in one private workspace. Start free — no watermark, no credit card.

Try Arthize free