Tool

Unlock PDF

Remove a password from a PDF you own. Enter the current password and download a copy that opens without one.

Drop a password-protected PDF here, or click to browse

Unlock a PDF in three steps

No software to install. Works in any browser, on any device.

1

Upload the locked PDF

Drop or click to upload the password-protected PDF.

2

Enter the password

Type the correct password to decrypt the file.

3

Download the unlocked PDF

An identical PDF without the password restriction downloads instantly.

Password removal

document-locked.pdfPassword required
document-unlocked.pdf

Remove the password

Downloads an identical PDF with the password requirement stripped.

100% private

Decryption runs locally in your browser using pdf-lib. Nothing sent to a server.

Wide compatibility

Works with any PDF protected by standard password encryption.

About PDF Password Removal

A password-protected PDF is encrypted — the content is scrambled until the correct password is entered. This tool decrypts the PDF using the password you provide and saves a new copy with the encryption removed. The result is an identical PDF that opens without a password in any reader.

Common situations: you password-protected a PDF months ago and no longer need the restriction, you received a locked PDF from a client and want a working copy, or you need to merge, split, or compress a document that tools require to be unlocked first.

The decryption runs entirely in your browser using pdf-lib. Your file never leaves your device. This tool only works if you already know the correct password — it does not crack unknown passwords.

Note: this tool removes the document-open password. If the PDF has restriction permissions (preventing printing or editing) but does not require a password to open, those are separate controls managed differently by PDF editors. What this tool removes is the password that blocks access to the document entirely.

Need to add a password instead? Lock PDF · Merge PDF · Compress PDF

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can it remove a password I don't know?

No. You must enter the correct password. This tool removes the restriction for convenience — it can't crack unknown passwords.

Why would I remove a PDF password?

You set a password for transit but want to file it without it, or you want to merge, split, or compress the file — most tools need an unlocked PDF.

Will unlocking change the content?

No. Content, formatting, images — everything stays identical. Only the password restriction is removed.

What if the PDF has editing restrictions too?

An open password is required to unlock. Separate owner-level restrictions (no printing, no copying) may remain after removing the open password.

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