PDF files are one of the most used file formats because the documents in PDF are widely accepted and prevent unauthorized copying and editing of documents. The password protection feature of PDF files provides a high level of security, but sometimes, unlocking the password is necessary. This article explores various techniques to get password protection off PDF documents in a few easy steps.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Get Password Protection Off PDF
PDF files with an owner password restrict users from performing actions such as copying, editing, and printing documents. These restrictions can be problematic for users, especially when the owner password is not available. This limited access to the PDF documents makes it harder for users to access the information they need for various purposes.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before unprotecting the PDF document, the user should make sure that they have received permission to do so. It is also recommended to have a backup of the original protected PDF document. This is because the unprotected PDF document may be altered or damaged during the unlocking process.
Method 1: Using Google Chrome
Google Chrome provides a quick and easy method to unlock password-protected PDF documents. Follow the below steps to unlock the PDF document:
Step 1: Open Google Chrome and drag the protected PDF into the browser.
Step 2: In the password prompt dialog box, enter the password for the PDF file.
Step 3: Press the “Enter” key or click on the “Submit” button.
Step 4: Click on the print icon or use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+P”. This will open the print dialog box.
Step 5: In the “Destination” settings, click on “Change” and select “Save as PDF.”
Step 6: Click on the “Save” button, and the unprotected PDF file will be saved in the specified location.
Pros:
– Quick and easy method to remove the password protection of PDF documents.
– The unlocked PDF document can be saved for further use.
Cons:
– This method may not work for some PDF files.
– The unprotected PDF document may have some formatting changes.
Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat Professional
Adobe Acrobat Professional is a professional tool designed specifically for managing PDF files. Unlocking password-protected PDF files with this method is straightforward. Follow the below steps:
Step 1: Open Adobe Acrobat Professional and open the PDF file that requires password protection removal.
Step 2: Click on the “File” menu, and then click on “Properties…”.
Step 3: In the “Document Properties” dialog box, click on the “Security” tab.
Step 4: Click on the “No Security” button from the “Security Method” menu.
Step 5: In the “Permissions Password” dialog box, enter the password to the protected PDF document.
Step 6: Finally, click on the “OK” button to save the unlocked PDF document.
Pros:
– Adobe Acrobat Professional provides a wide range of features to edit and manage PDF files.
– The unlocked PDF document retains the original formatting.
Cons:
– Adobe Acrobat Professional is a paid tool.
– This method may not work for some PDF files.
Method 3: Using Online Tools
Several online tools provide the ability to unlock password-protected PDF documents. These methods rely on the services provided by the particular service provider. Some of the online tools are listed below:
Method 3.1: Using SmallPDF
Step 1: Open the smallpdf website on your browser.
Step 2: Drag the protected PDF file and drop it into the upload area.
Step 3: Enter the password for the protected file and click on the “Unlock PDF”.
Step 4: Wait for the unlocking process to complete and finally download the unlocked PDF file.
Pros:
– Online tools are free to use.
– No need to install any software.
Cons:
– Unlocked PDF documents may not retain the original formatting.
– Some online tools are unsafe for confidential documents.
Why Can’t I Get Password Protection Off PDF?
1. The PDF file is corrupted.
Fix: Use Adobe Acrobat DC to repair the corrupted PDF file or obtain a new copy.
2. The password was mistyped.
Fix: Retype the password to make sure it is correct, or use a password recovery tool.
3. The PDF file is signed, or has certificate security.
Fix: The document may be signed for a particular reason. In this case, contact the document owner or creator to obtain permission to remove the password protection.
Additional Tips
– Use reliable tools to unlock password protection of PDF documents.
– Always have a backup of the original protected PDF document.
– Do not remove password protection from confidential documents unless you have permission to do so.
5 FAQs about How to Get Password Protection Off PDF
Q1: Is it ethical to remove password protection from a PDF document?
A: One should obtain permission from the document owner before removing password protection from a PDF document.
Q2: What’s the easiest way to remove password protection from a PDF document?
A: Using Google Chrome is one of the quickest and easiest ways to remove password protection from a PDF document.
Q3: Will removing password protection from a PDF document cause any formatting changes?
A: Some methods may cause some minor formatting changes in the unprotected PDF document.
Q4: How to ensure data security after removing password protection from a PDF document?
A: One should use trusted and reliable tools to ensure the security of the unprotected PDF document.
Q5: Is it safe to use online tools to remove password protection from a PDF document?
A: Some online tools are safe, but it is recommended to use desktop software tools in most cases.
In Conclusion
Unprotecting password-protected PDF documents is necessary in some cases to access the information we need. This article discussed the various methods of getting password protection off PDF, including using Google Chrome, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and online tools. One should always use reliable and trusted tools to ensure that the unprotected PDF documents retain their original formatting and data security.