Remove PDF Password

Remove the password and print, copy or edit restrictions from a PDF you are allowed to open. You need the correct password.

Reviewed by Dany, RightSums team · Updated

Runs in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.

pdf-security · PDF tool · UK & US

Load the protected PDF and enter its password when asked. The tool opens the file, strips the encryption and saves a copy that opens without a password in any reader. It also removes permission restrictions set with an owner password, such as blocks on printing, copying or editing, and this works even when the file opens without asking for a password. It cannot guess, crack or bypass a password you do not know. If the PDF was not encrypted, you get an unchanged copy and a note saying so. Decryption happens entirely in your browser, so the password and the document never reach a server. Only remove protection from files you own or have permission to change.

Accepted inputs

  • Password-protected PDF
  • PDF with permission restrictions

Outputs

  • PDF (no password)

How to use the Remove PDF Password

  1. Drop the protected PDF into the box.
  2. Enter the password when asked, or skip this step if the file opens without one.
  3. Click the button to decrypt the file and remove its restrictions.
  4. Download the copy, which opens without a password in any PDF reader.

Frequently asked questions

How do I remove a password from a PDF?

Load the PDF, type its password when prompted and run the tool. The downloaded copy has no encryption, so it opens straight away without asking for a password. Your original protected file is left unchanged.

Can this remove a PDF password I do not know?

No. You must enter the correct password. The tool decrypts files you are already able to open; it does not guess, crack or bypass unknown passwords.

Can it remove printing and copying restrictions?

Yes. If a PDF opens without a password but blocks printing, copying or editing, load it and run the tool. The restrictions are removed and the copy behaves like a normal PDF. Only do this with files you have the right to change.

Is my password sent anywhere?

No. The password is used only inside your browser to decrypt the file, and it is not saved or sent to any server. The same applies to the document itself.

Why did it say my PDF was not encrypted?

The file had no password or permission restrictions, so there was nothing to remove. You get a re-saved copy that is otherwise unchanged. If it still will not open elsewhere, try Repair PDF.

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