How to Lock and Unlock Files and Text With a Password
Security · Step-by-step guide · 5 steps · 2 min read
This tool locks text or files with a password. Only someone with the password can open them. Use it before you email a private file or save notes online.
Open the Encrypt & Decrypt Text and Files
In the pictures, orange letters like A show where to look. Each step tells you its letter.
Step 1: Choose Text or Files
Pick the Text tab for a message. Pick Files for documents and photos. Keep the switch on Encrypt. See A in the picture.
Step 2: Add what you want to lock
In section 1, type in Text to encrypt. Or choose your files. See B in the picture.
Step 3: Set a strong password
In 2 Passphrase & options, type a password and type it again. Or press Suggest a strong passphrase. A bar shows how strong it is. See C in the picture.
Step 4: Press Encrypt
Press Encrypt (or Encrypt Files) under the password. See D in the picture.
Step 5: Copy or download the result
Press Copy or Download as file. To open it later, switch to Decrypt. Put it back in, type the same password, and run it. See E in the picture.
Tips and questions
What if I forget my password?
Then the data is lost. There is no reset. Keep your password somewhere safe, like a password manager.
How do I send the password to someone?
Send it a different way from the file. For example, tell them by phone. Do not put both in one email.
What are keypairs for?
The Keypairs tab makes a public key and a private key. People lock files with your public key. Only your private key opens them. So you never need to share a password.
Can I unlock files without this website?
Yes, for some settings. Under Advanced options, the tool can show a Decrypt from a terminal command.
Privacy
Locking and unlocking happen in your browser. Your files, text and password are never sent to us.
Try it now
The Encrypt & Decrypt Text and Files is free. You do not need an account.
Open the Encrypt & Decrypt Text and Files