Remove PDF Password¶
Remove password protection from a PDF document so it can be opened and used freely. You must know the current password to remove it.
When to Use This Feature¶
- You have a password-protected PDF and want to create an unprotected copy for easier sharing
- You set a permissions password on a document and want to remove the restrictions
- You received a protected PDF and have the password, but want to work with it without entering the password each time
How to Remove a Password¶
- Go to PDF Tools > Remove Password in the sidebar.
- Click Open and select the password-protected PDF.
- Enter the current password when prompted. You must provide the correct password to proceed.
- Click Remove Password.
- Save the unprotected PDF to your desired location.
Password Required
You must know the existing password to remove it. This feature is not a password cracker -- it is a convenience tool for people who have legitimate access to the document and want to remove the protection.
Removing Different Password Types¶
Open Password Removal¶
Removing the open password creates a PDF that anyone can view without entering a password.
Permissions Password Removal¶
Removing the permissions password unlocks all restricted actions (printing, copying, editing). The document can then be fully modified.
Removing Both¶
If the PDF has both an open password and a permissions password, you can remove both in a single operation. Enter both passwords when prompted.
After Removal¶
The resulting PDF is a completely unprotected file with no password requirements. Treat it accordingly:
Security Consideration
Once password protection is removed, anyone with access to the file can open and modify it. Only remove passwords from documents you own or have authorization to modify. Store unprotected files securely.
Troubleshooting¶
- Wrong password error -- Double-check the password. PDF passwords are case-sensitive.
- File appears corrupted -- Try opening the original protected file in a standard PDF reader first to confirm it is valid.