PDF Encrypt & Decrypt

PDF Encrypt & Decrypt is a vintage encrypting tool for locking PDF behind passwords generated using a series of well-known algorithms. Why vintage? Well, this particular tool has some years behind, and some of you might be deterred by such a program. For the rest, however, looking for the simplest tool for the job, this will do.

To keep things simple, PDF Encrypt & Decrypt sports a once-piece interface with all functions out in the open. No hidden menus, no collapsible panels, and no toolbars are in place. Just fill in the blanks, decide what document permissions to assign, pick an encryption algorithm and come up with a password, that's all.

Encrypting can be done one file at a time, with no batch capabilities. Encrypting allows for some metadata editing, so you can come up with a new author, subject, title, and keywords. Two fields for creators and producers are also in place.

You can find and handpick the file permissions for the soon-to-b encrypted PDF. All permission printing, editing, signing, copying, etc. are offered by default, but if you wish to restrict some of them, just uncheck the boxes.

As for the encryption algorithms, these are five, plus two additional entries for "no encryption" and "unknown encryption." The common AES-type method in both 128 and 256-bit couldn't miss, as well as the 4-bit and 128-bit RC4.

After you've done checking boxes and deciding on an algorithm, you can wrap up a task by jotting down a user and an owner password. Click encrypt to finish things up. To decrypt a PDF, load it up and provide the credentials used to lock it down, quick and easy.

PDF Encrypt & Decrypt is not a brand-new application, and it might be easily outperformed by most competition, but it encrypts PDFs without hiccups. If you can get past the old-school looks or scarce features, you should give it a try nonetheless.