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11.5. How to send an encrypted email containing an Acrobat PDF file

Last updated: Mon Jul 2026 09:33 AM (EDT)

CRL Technologies • IT Knowledge Base

Sending a PDF Securely with a Security Envelope

Adobe Acrobat • Encrypt and email a protected document

Applies to: CRL staff emailing protected PDFs | Category: Applications & Security | Est. time: 10 minutes

A security envelope lets you encrypt one or more files inside a protected PDF “envelope” so you can email them safely. The recipient needs the password to open the contents. Use Adobe Acrobat on the desktop for the steps below.

Create a security envelope

Select All Tools (called Tools in older versions), in the menu at the top of the page.

Select Protect from the Tools list.

Alternatively, select Protect from the tools menu on the right side of the page:

Expand the Advanced Options drop-down and select Create Security Envelope (in the toolbar above the document).

Under Files to Enclose, add the file(s) you want to send, then click Next.

Choose an envelope template and click Next (if you’re unsure, just click Next).

Choose the delivery method (Send the envelope now).

You may see this pop-up — select Yes and continue:

Select a policy from the list (you may need to check Show all policies).
Select Encrypt with Password and click Next.
Optional: create your own security policy by selecting New Policy.

Optional — create a security policy

If you choose to create a policy:

Select the type of security (Use passwords).

In General Settings, choose Save these settings as a policy and click Next.

Choose the password and encryption options and click Next.

Tip: For controlled or sensitive content, select the strongest option — 256-bit AES encryption.

Review the summary and click Finish.
Select the policy from the list (again, you may need to check Show all policies).

Send the envelope

Prepare the email by clicking Finish.

Confirm the Password Security settings and click OK.

Select your Send email preference.

⚠ WARNING — never send the password in the same email.

Do not include the password in the email that carries the security envelope. Doing so defeats the encryption and compromises the data. Send the password to your recipient in a separate email or through another channel (for example, a phone call or text).

More detail on Acrobat security options: Choosing a security method for PDFs (Adobe).

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