TLDR · Updated May 2026
What is password protection? Peony password protection locks any shared document link behind a password. Available on Business ($30/admin/mo). Supports per-link passwords, password changes without new URLs, and stacks with Simple NDA gating and link expiry on the same Business plan; Advanced NDA with a signed PDF and audit trail is on Data Room ($52/admin/mo). Unlike DocSend ($45–$300/user/mo), no recipient account required.
What is password protection in Peony?
Password protection in Peony locks any shared document link behind a password you set, so only viewers with the code can open the file — with per-link passwords, dashboard-driven password changes, and stackable controls like NDA gating and watermarks.
One-click password setup
Toggle password protection on any link and set your preferred password. Change or remove it at any time from the dashboard.
Per-link passwords
Set different passwords for different recipients. Share the same document with multiple parties, each with their own unique access code.
Combine with other controls
Stack password protection with email capture, NDA requirements, link expiry, and 2FA. Build the exact security configuration your documents need.
| Capability | Peony Business | Peony Data Room | DocSend | Datasite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Password protection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Per-link passwords | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| NDA gating | Simple (acknowledge) | Advanced (signed PDF) | No | Yes |
| Screenshot protection | Yes | Yes — plus Screenshield | No | Yes |
| Watermarks | Dynamic | Dynamic | Static | Dynamic |
| Price | $30/admin/mo | $52/admin/mo | $45–$300/user/mo | Enterprise quote |
"Every now and then, you come across a product that has a massive positive impact on your business. Peony is one such product."
Panos Moutafis
Founder & CEO, Zenus
Frequently asked questions
Is password protection enough security on its own? No — pair with NDA gating and watermarks for sensitive deal docs.
I'm a startup founder sharing my $35M Series A pitch deck with 10 specific VCs — can I give each one a unique password so I know who forwarded it?
Yes. On Peony Business ($30/admin/month), you create per-link passwords so each of your 10 VCs gets a unique access code. Combined with page-level analytics (included on all plans), you can see which VC entered which password and exactly how they engaged with your deck. If someone forwards the link without the password, the recipient cannot access your materials. For your $35M raise, this gives you trackable access control without the complexity of email-gated permissions — and you can change or revoke any password at any time from your dashboard.
We're running a $100M M&A process and our compliance team wants password protection on top of NDA gating — can we layer both?
Yes. Password protection and Simple NDA gating both start on Business ($30/admin/month). For your $100M process, your bidders enter a password, then accept your NDA, then access the data room — three layers of access control before they see a single page of your CIM. You can also add dynamic watermarks, screenshot protection, and link expiry on Business for a complete security stack. For a signed PDF and full audit trail per bidder, Data Room ($52/admin/month) adds Advanced NDA, unlimited data rooms, and granular permissions. DocSend only supports basic password and email gates with no NDA gating or screenshot protection at any tier.
Our HR team needs to share sensitive employee documents with 5 department heads — is password protection enough for HR files?
Password protection on Business ($30/admin/month) is a strong starting point — each department head enters a password before viewing compensation data, performance reviews, or employment agreements. You can set different passwords for each recipient so access is individually trackable. Business also adds screenshot protection so recipients cannot capture images of particularly sensitive files like executive compensation packages or termination agreements, plus dynamic watermarks that stamp every page with the viewer's identity.
We run a test prep centre and need to password-protect our exam materials so only enrolled students can access them — how does this work?
On Business ($30/admin/month), you upload your exam materials and add a password that you share only with enrolled students. Students click the link, enter the password, and view the materials in their browser — no downloading, no printing if you disable those options. You can change the password each term so previous students lose access automatically. Business also adds screenshot blocking so students cannot capture images of your exam questions, and link expiry automatically cuts off access when the exam period ends.
Our PE fund password-protects quarterly LP reports for a $150M fund — can we change the password each quarter without sending new links?
Yes. On Business ($30/admin/month), you change the password on any active link from your dashboard without generating a new URL. For your $150M fund, you update the password each quarter and share the new code with your LPs — they use the same link they always have. This avoids the confusion of distributing new links every quarter while ensuring that last quarter's password no longer works. Page-level analytics (included on all plans) show you which LPs actually opened the report and how long they spent on each section.
Our law firm needs to password-protect a $60M diligence room — do our counterparties need a Peony account to enter the password?
No. Your counterparties, bidders, and opposing counsel only need the link and the password you share with them. Peony does not require recipients to create an account, install software, or download an app. For your $60M diligence room, this keeps friction low — buyer counsel enters the password and is immediately reviewing your documents, with every view logged in your analytics dashboard. Password protection, Simple NDA gating, watermarks, and screenshot protection are all on Business ($30/admin/month); for a full diligence room with unlimited data rooms, Advanced NDA (signed PDF + audit trail), and granular permissions, step up to Data Room ($52/admin/month).
Our boutique bank runs $50M-$150M mandates and uses DocSend for password protection — how does Peony compare?
DocSend charges $45-$300/user/month and limits you to basic password and email gates with no NDA gating, no screenshot protection, and no dynamic watermarks. Peony Business at $30/admin/month includes password protection with per-link passwords, page-level analytics, e-signatures, Simple NDA gating, screenshot protection, and AI document chat. Data Room at $52/admin/month adds dynamic watermarks, Advanced NDA (signed PDF + audit trail), unlimited data rooms, granular permissions, and full data room capabilities. For your $50M-$150M mandates, Peony replaces DocSend with more security layers at a lower price — and scales from pitch deck sharing to full data room workflows without switching tools.
Related features
Two-Factor Authentication
Require email-based identity verification before anyone can view your shared documents.
Link Expiry
Set automatic expiration dates on shared links so documents are only accessible when they should be.
Watermarks
Add dynamic watermarks with viewer details to every page, deterring unauthorized redistribution.