You have a PDF with a password. Maybe it's your own document and you forgot the password. Maybe you know the password but want to remove protection permanently. Whatever the reason, unlocking a PDF lets you work with it freely again.
This guide explains the types of PDF passwords, how to remove them, and important limitations you should understand.
Types of PDF Password Protection
Open Password (Document Open Password)
This password is required before you can even view the document. Without it, the PDF won't open at all. It's the strongest protection — the entire file is encrypted.
Permissions Password (Master Password)
This password doesn't stop viewing but restricts what you can do with the PDF:
- Printing may be disabled or limited to low quality
- Copying text may be blocked
- Editing may be prevented
- Form filling may be restricted
You can view the document but can't do everything you need to.
How to Remove PDF Password
- Upload: Go to our Unlock PDF tool and select your protected file
- Enter the password: Type the password you know
- Unlock: We remove the protection
- Download: Get an unrestricted PDF you can use freely
Why Remove Password Protection?
Convenience
Tired of entering the password every time you open the document? Remove it to open freely.
Editing
Permission restrictions blocking editing? Unlock to convert to Word or make changes.
Merging
Protected PDFs can't be merged with other documents. Merge PDFs requires unlocked files.
Printing
Print restrictions removed, letting you print normally.
Sharing
Share an unlocked version with colleagues who don't have the password.
After Unlocking
Once unlocked, you can:
- Convert to Word for full editing
- Merge with other documents
- Split into separate files
- Print without restrictions
- Copy text freely
- Add a new password if desired
Add New Protection
Want to change the password rather than remove it completely? Unlock first, then add a new password to the unlocked file.
Important Notes
Only Remove Passwords You Have Rights To
This tool helps you work with your own protected documents. Removing protection from documents without authorization may violate terms of use or laws.
Strong Encryption
Modern PDFs use strong encryption (128-bit or 256-bit AES). Without the password, there's no practical way to unlock them.
Related Security Tools
Common Questions
Can you unlock a PDF without the password?
No. We require the password to decrypt the file. Bypassing passwords isn't something we do or support.
Will unlocking damage the PDF?
No. The content is preserved. Only the password protection is removed.
Can I unlock then add a different password?
Yes. Unlock first, then use our password protection tool to set a new password.
Free your PDF from password restrictions. Unlock now — free.