Lock a File With a Password — Free Online Tool (Any File Type)

You want to put a password on a file. Not encrypt a whole drive. Not set up a VPN. Not learn command-line cryptography. Just: pick a file, set a password, done. Nobody opens it without the password.

How to Lock a File (30 Seconds)

1. Open the File Password Protector.
2. Drop any file into the tool.
3. Type a password.
4. Click "Encrypt & Download."
5. Save the .enc file. That file is locked.

How to Unlock a File

1. Open the same tool.
2. Switch to "Decrypt File."
3. Drop the .enc file in.
4. Enter the password.
5. Click "Decrypt & Download." Original file restored.

What Files Can You Lock?

Everything. The tool doesn't care about the file format — it encrypts the raw data.

File Type	Can You Lock It?
PDF	✓ Yes
JPG / PNG image	✓ Yes
MP4 / MOV video	✓ Yes
Excel / CSV spreadsheet	✓ Yes
Word document	✓ Yes
ZIP / RAR archive	✓ Yes
Text / JSON / XML	✓ Yes
Any other format	✓ Yes

Why Not Just Use Windows/Mac Built-In?

Method	Works on	Install?	Individual files?
This tool (browser)	✓ Any device, any OS	✓ None	✓ Yes
BitLocker (Windows)	Windows Pro only	✓ Built-in	✗ Whole drive only
EFS (Windows)	Windows Pro only	✓ Built-in	✓ Yes, but tied to user account
Disk Utility (Mac)	macOS only	✓ Built-in	✗ Creates disk images, not individual files
7-Zip	Windows (desktop only)	✗ Must install	✓ Yes (creates archive)

The browser tool wins on simplicity: any device, no install, no admin rights, any file type, individual files. The tradeoff is a ~500MB file size limit (browser memory) and one file at a time.

Password Advice

The file is only as secure as the password. A few rules:

• 12 characters minimum. Longer is better. A passphrase like "purple-umbrella-coffee-92" is strong and easy to remember.
• Don't use names, birthdays, or common words alone. "password123" would be guessed in seconds.
• Store the password somewhere safe. Not in the same folder as the locked file. Use a password manager, a physical notebook, or a different device.
• No recovery. If you forget the password, the file is gone. There is no reset button for AES-256.

Common Uses for Locked Files

• Tax documents — lock before storing on your computer or cloud
• ID scans — passport, driver's license, SSN cards
• Medical records — personal health information
• Financial statements — bank statements, investment records
• Client files — if you're a freelancer handling sensitive client data
• Photos — personal or private images
• Before emailing — lock the file, email the .enc, share password separately
• Before USB transfer — lock the file in case the USB drive is lost

For the full email workflow, see our encrypt before emailing guide. For a comparison of all free encryption options, check the best encryption tools roundup.