How to Remove a Password from a PDF You Own

When removing a password makes sense

You may have protected your own documents long ago and now open them often. Or a bank or office sent you a locked statement and you want your own copy to read or store without typing the password each time. In these cases you know the password and own the document, and removing the lock saves time.

Remove the password step by step

1. Open Unlock PDF and add the protected file.
2. Type the password. If the file opens without one, leave the password box empty.
3. Choose the sharpness: Small file (100 dpi), Standard (150 dpi) or Sharp (200 dpi).
4. Start the process. You will see which page is being processed.
5. Download the new PDF. It opens without a password.

Why the pages become pictures

To produce a copy without a password, the tool opens each page with your password and saves it as an image in a new PDF. This works reliably, but it has a cost: pictures do not contain selectable text. If you need the words, copy them from the original while it is open with the password, or keep the original as well.

Which sharpness should I choose?

Sharper settings make bigger files. If the result is too large, shrink it with Compress PDF.

What if I do not know the password?

Then this tool cannot help. It only removes a password you can already enter. If the file is yours, try to remember where you saved the password, check your password manager, or ask the person or organisation who sent the file. To lock a file again later, use Protect PDF, which is explained in How to password protect a PDF.

Frequently asked questions