Unlock PDF
Remove the open password from a PDF you have the password for. Printing, copying and editing restrictions stay unless you also have the permissions password.
Only unlock documents you own or have permission to open.
What Unlock PDF does
Unlock PDF removes the open password from a PDF you have the password for. Printing, copying and editing restrictions are kept in the copy unless you also type the permissions password, the separate password set to change them.
How to remove a password from a PDF
- Drop the protected PDF on the box above.
- Type its password when asked. To remove restrictions as well, choose Remove restrictions too and type the permissions password.
- Download the unlocked copy.
What it removes
| Open password | Removed after you type it correctly. |
|---|---|
| Permission restrictions | Kept by default. Removed only with the permissions password; the open password can't remove them. |
| Unprotected files | If the PDF has no password or restrictions, the tool says so. |
Limits
- It can't open a PDF if you don't know its open password. It doesn't guess or crack passwords.
Where your file goes
Decryption runs in this browser tab. The password and the PDF aren't sent anywhere.
If you're signed in, the result panel also offers Save to My documents. Only that button uploads the file, to your account's storage.
Questions
Can you unlock a PDF if I don't know the password?
No. If a PDF needs a password to open, you have to type it. The tool doesn't guess or crack passwords.
Why can I open my PDF but not print or copy from it?
It has permission restrictions but no open password. Unlock PDF can remove them if you have the permissions password, the one that was set to change them.
Is it legal to remove a PDF password?
Only unlock documents you own or have permission to change. Removing protection from someone else's document can break their terms or the law.