Banks, payroll systems and tax offices often send password-protected PDFs. That is sensible in transit, but tiresome once the file is on your own computer, and a protected file cannot be merged, compressed or split by most tools. Unlocking saves a copy without the encryption.
Do I need to know the password?
For a file that asks for a password when you open it, yes. You type the password, the tool opens the PDF with it and writes an unencrypted copy. This is not a password cracker, and it cannot open a file whose password you do not have.
Some PDFs open without a password but block printing, copying or editing. Those restrictions are set with a separate owner password. For these files, leave the password field empty; the tool saves a copy without the restrictions.
Only remove protection from documents you are entitled to use that way.
Does the content change?
No. Pages, text, images and links are copied as they are. Only the encryption is taken off. The file size usually stays about the same.
Is my file stored?
Unlocking runs on our server. The PDF and the password travel over an encrypted connection, and the uploaded file and its unlocked copy are deleted automatically within two hours. Your unlocked copy is only available to you through the download link.
How big can the file be?
Single files up to 50 MB are free without an account, and you get 20 server jobs a day before Pro or credits come in. Pro accepts files up to 500 MB and has no daily cap. When a year of statements shares one password, drop them all at once: up to 5 files per batch are free without an account, 10 with a free account.
How to remove a password from a PDF
- Drop the protected PDF onto the drop zone.
- Type the password, or leave the field empty if the file only has print or copy restrictions.
- Click Unlock.
- Download the unprotected copy.
FAQ
I forgot the password. Can you unlock it?
No. Without the password the contents are encrypted and cannot be read.
Why does it say the password is incorrect?
Passwords are case sensitive, and bank PDFs often use a specific format such as a date of birth or part of an account number. Check the email the file came with.
Is the unlocked file safe to keep?
It is an ordinary PDF that anyone with the file can open. Store it where you would store the paper original.
Can I put a new password on it?
Yes. Use Protect PDF on the unlocked copy.