How do you remove password protection from a PDF?

If you know the password and you own the PDF, you can safely remove the password protection by opening the file with the password and saving a new unsecured copy. The exact steps depend on the software you use.

Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat (paid version)

Adobe Acrobat Pro has a built-in option to remove PDF security:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Enter the password when prompted.
3. Go to Menu → Document Properties (or File → Properties).
4. Open the Security tab.
5. Change Security Method to No Security.
6. Enter the password again if requested.
7. Save the file.

The new saved copy will open without asking for a password.

Note: Adobe Acrobat Reader (the free version) can open password-protected PDFs if you know the password, but it does not provide the option to remove security settings.

Method 2: Using a built-in browser print/save feature (free)

For many PDFs, you can create a new copy without the password using a browser:

1. Open the PDF in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or another PDF viewer.
2. Enter the password.
3. Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac).
4. Choose Save as PDF as the printer destination.
5. Save the new PDF.

The newly created PDF usually will not have the original password protection.

Method 3: Using macOS Preview

If you use a Mac:

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Enter the password.
3. Select File → Export.
4. Save it as a new PDF.
5. Make sure encryption/password options are disabled.

Important tips

• Always keep a backup of the original PDF before removing security.
• Avoid unknown online PDF unlocking websites if the document contains private, financial, legal, or confidential information.
• After creating the new copy, open it again to confirm that the content, formatting, and links are still intact.

If you already know the password, removing protection is usually a simple “open → remove security → save” process, and you do not need a special PDF cracking tool.