Unlock PDF

Save a password-protected PDF as a copy without the password so you never have to type it again — as long as you know it. PDFs that open but block printing, copying or editing can be unlocked without any password. Processing uses qpdf and happens entirely in your browser.

How to use

Choose or drop the encrypted PDF.
If it asks for a password when opened, enter it under Password. If it only blocks printing or copying, leave Password empty.
Click Remove password. The unlocked PDF downloads when it is done.

Options explained

Open password (user password): The password asked for when opening the PDF. You must know it to remove it; this tool does not crack passwords.
Restrictions (owner password): PDFs that open but block printing, copying or editing use an owner password. These restrictions can be removed without it.
Output: Only the encryption is removed. Pages, bookmarks, forms and metadata stay the same, and the file usually gets slightly smaller.

Which password does the tool need?

Your PDF	What to do	What you see
Asks for a password when opened	Enter it under Password	The unlocked copy downloads; a wrong password gives “The password is incorrect.”
Asks for a password and Password is empty	Enter the open password	“This PDF needs a password to open. Enter it and try again.”
Opens freely but blocks printing, copying or editing	Leave Password empty	The unlocked copy downloads
Has no encryption at all	Nothing to remove	“This PDF is not encrypted — it already opens without a password.”

The tool looks for an encryption entry in the file to pick the right message. The work itself is one qpdf command, which you can also run yourself:

qpdf --password=YOUR_PASSWORD --decrypt locked.pdf unlocked.pdf

Leave out the --password part for a PDF that only has restrictions.

Frequently asked questions

What if I forgot the open password?

This tool needs the correct open password and does not crack it. A PDF encrypted with AES-256 is practically impossible to open without the password; ask whoever sent the file.

Is it legal to remove restrictions?

Only process your own files or files you have permission to change. A PDF with only an owner password can be decrypted and displayed by any reader without a password; the restrictions just ask readers to limit what you can do.

Are my files uploaded?

No. qpdf runs as WebAssembly in your browser; the PDF and password never leave your device.

Which encryption types are supported?

All standard PDF encryption, including RC4 40 and 128-bit, AES-128 and AES-256.

Privacy

This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files and text are processed on your device and are never uploaded to our servers.