Sample code for 30+ languages & platforms
Node.js Requires Chilkat v11.7.0+

Choose the PDF Encryption Algorithm: AES-256, AES-128 or RC4

See more PDF Protection Examples

Demonstrates the algorithmChoice option of the encrypt operation. aes-256 is the default and the one to use unless an older reader must open the file. aes-128 is for readers that predate AES-256. rc4-128 and rc4-40 are broken ciphers kept only for very old readers. Each algorithm needs a minimum PDF version, and the file header is raised to it when the PDF is saved, never lowered. A PDF saved with RC4 is written with a classic cross-reference table so that those old readers can parse it.

Chilkat Node.js Downloads

Node.js
NODEJS_PRELUDE

function chilkatExample() {

    var success = false;

    //  This example requires the Chilkat API to have been previously unlocked.
    //  See Global Unlock Sample for sample code.

    //  The PDF used in this example is available at two_page_memo.pdf

    var json = new chilkat.JsonObject();
    var jsonOut = new chilkat.JsonObject();
    var info = new chilkat.JsonObject();

    //  AES-256, the default.  Saved as PDF 1.7 with Adobe extension level 8.
    var pdf1 = new chilkat.Pdf();
    success = pdf1.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/two_page_memo.pdf");
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf1.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    pdf1.UserPassword = "user-secret";
    pdf1.OwnerPassword = "owner-secret";
    json.UpdateString("algorithmChoice","aes-256");
    success = pdf1.Protection("encrypt",json,jsonOut);
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf1.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    console.log("aes-256 will be saved as PDF " + jsonOut.StringOf("pending.pdfVersion") + ", Adobe extension level " + jsonOut.IntOf("pending.adobeExtensionLevel"));
    success = pdf1.WriteFile("qa_output/memo_aes256.pdf");
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf1.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    success = pdf1.PreLoadCheck("qa_output/memo_aes256.pdf",info);
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf1.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    console.log("  saved file: " + info.StringOf("algorithm") + ", PDF " + info.StringOf("pdfVersion"));

    //  AES-128, for readers that predate AES-256.  Saved as PDF 1.6.
    var pdf2 = new chilkat.Pdf();
    success = pdf2.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/two_page_memo.pdf");
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf2.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    pdf2.UserPassword = "user-secret";
    pdf2.OwnerPassword = "owner-secret";
    json.UpdateString("algorithmChoice","aes-128");
    success = pdf2.Protection("encrypt",json,jsonOut);
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf2.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    console.log("aes-128 will be saved as PDF " + jsonOut.StringOf("pending.pdfVersion"));
    success = pdf2.WriteFile("qa_output/memo_aes128.pdf");
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf2.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    success = pdf2.PreLoadCheck("qa_output/memo_aes128.pdf",info);
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf2.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    console.log("  saved file: " + info.StringOf("algorithm") + ", PDF " + info.StringOf("pdfVersion"));

    //  RC4-128, a broken cipher, only for readers too old for AES.  Saved as PDF 1.4.
    var pdf3 = new chilkat.Pdf();
    success = pdf3.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/two_page_memo.pdf");
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf3.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    pdf3.UserPassword = "user-secret";
    pdf3.OwnerPassword = "owner-secret";
    json.UpdateString("algorithmChoice","rc4-128");
    success = pdf3.Protection("encrypt",json,jsonOut);
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf3.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    console.log("rc4-128 will be saved as PDF " + jsonOut.StringOf("pending.pdfVersion"));
    success = pdf3.WriteFile("qa_output/memo_rc4_128.pdf");
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf3.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    success = pdf3.PreLoadCheck("qa_output/memo_rc4_128.pdf",info);
    if (success == false) {
        console.log(pdf3.LastErrorText);
        return;
    }

    console.log("  saved file: " + info.StringOf("algorithm") + ", PDF " + info.StringOf("pdfVersion"));

    //  Sample output:

    //  aes-256 will be saved as PDF 1.7, Adobe extension level 8
    //    saved file: aes-256, PDF 1.7
    //  aes-128 will be saved as PDF 1.6
    //    saved file: aes-128, PDF 1.6
    //  rc4-128 will be saved as PDF 1.4
    //    saved file: rc4-128, PDF 1.4

}

chilkatExample();