Unlock a password-protected PDF
Use the password you already know to create an unencrypted copy entirely in your browser. Your PDF and password are not sent to our server.
Choose a PDF to unlock
Up to 120 MB
No PDF selected
What this free PDF unlocker does
The tool uses your known PDF password to read the encrypted document and writes a separate copy without PDF encryption. A blank password can work for a permissions-restricted PDF that already opens normally. It does not change your original file, upload either file or save the password.
The local engine supports common PDF standard password security. Certificate-protected documents, digital-rights-management systems and unusual security handlers may require the software that created the file. There is no paid tier or remote conversion quota; the 120 MB limit only protects browser memory.
How to remove a known PDF password
- Choose the protected PDF.
- Enter its open password. If the PDF opens without a password but blocks editing, try leaving the field blank.
- Confirm that you are authorized to modify the document.
- Select Unlock PDF, then open the downloaded copy without entering a password.
Frequently asked questions
Can this recover a forgotten PDF password?
No. It does not attempt password guessing or recovery. You need the correct open password unless the PDF uses an empty user password for permissions only.
Are my PDF and password uploaded?
No. Both are passed directly to a WebAssembly worker in this browser. The worker is terminated after each attempt, and the site does not send document bytes or the password to an application server.
Why did the unlocked file lose its valid signature?
A PDF signature protects a particular byte sequence. Creating an unencrypted copy rewrites that sequence, so keep the original signed file as the authoritative record.