Unlock PDF Files
Remove PDF password security, giving you the freedom to use your PDFs as you like.
Drop your PDF file here
or click to browse and select a file
Supports PDF files up to 25MB
Got a password-protected PDF but need to edit it, print it, or convert it? Password protection can be a barrier when you legitimately need to work with the document. Our unlock tool removes the password so you can use the PDF freely.
You'll need the original password to unlock it—this tool doesn't crack passwords, it removes protection from files you already have access to. Once unlocked, the PDF works normally without password prompts.
When Unlocking Makes Sense
Maybe you protected a document years ago and forgot the password (but you have it written down somewhere). Or you received a protected PDF and need to combine it with other files. Perhaps you want to convert it to another format, but the protection is blocking that.
Unlocking removes the barrier while keeping all your content intact. The PDF remains the same—just without the password requirement.
How to unlock a PDF
Upload the password-protected PDF you want to unlock.
Enter the correct password so we can decrypt the file.
Download the unlocked PDF without the password restriction.
Important Security Note
This tool only works if you know the password. It doesn't crack or bypass protection—it removes it after you prove you have legitimate access. This is intentional: if we could unlock without passwords, protection would be useless.
Only unlock PDFs you own or have permission to modify. Unlocking someone else's protected document without authorization may violate laws or policies.
Unlocking Questions
What if I don't know the password?
You need the password to unlock. There's no way around this—it's how password protection works. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to contact whoever created the PDF or check your password records.
Will unlocking remove other restrictions?
Yes, unlocking removes all restrictions—printing, copying, editing, everything. The PDF becomes fully accessible and editable, just like an unprotected file.
Is the unlocked PDF identical to the original?
Yes, the content is exactly the same. Only the password protection is removed. All text, images, formatting, and structure remain unchanged.
Can I re-protect it after unlocking?
Absolutely. Use our protect PDF tool to add password protection again, perhaps with a new password or different restrictions.
Related Articles
Unlocking a PDF You Forgot the Password To
You set the password months ago and now you can't remember it. Here's your options (spoiler: they're limited).
Removing Restrictions from a Protected PDF
Can't print or copy from a PDF someone sent you. If you have the password, here's how to remove those restrictions.
When You Need to Edit a Password-Protected PDF
Got a protected PDF that needs changes, but you can't edit it. Unlocking is step one. Here's the process.
The Legal Side of Unlocking PDFs
Is it okay to unlock someone else's PDF? The answer depends on context. Here's what you should know.