Free Unlock PDF Tool
This free tool removes the password from a PDF when you enter the correct one, giving you a copy that opens without it. It also clears print and copy restrictions on files you can already open. It does not guess or crack passwords, so use it only on documents you own or have permission to unlock.
Unlock PDF
PDF Tools
About this tool
A password on a PDF is useful while a file travels, but it becomes a nuisance afterwards. You may need to merge the file, compress it, upload it to a portal that cannot ask for passwords, or archive it without keeping a separate note of the password. Removing it once saves that trouble.
The tool uses qpdf to open the file with the password you type and write a new copy without encryption. If the PDF only has usage restrictions, such as no printing or no copying, and opens without any password, you can leave the password box empty and the restrictions are removed. Nothing is cracked or guessed: with a wrong password the tool simply reports that it failed.
Please unlock only files that belong to you or that you are allowed to change. The password is sent to our server for this one request, used to open the file and thrown away with the temporary files; we do not log it. Uploads can be up to 20 MB. Once unlocked, the file can be used with every other PDF tool on this site.
Frequently asked questions
Can this tool crack a forgotten password?
No. It removes a password only when you provide the correct one. It does not guess, brute force or bypass passwords. If you have lost the password, ask the person who created the file for it.
What if the PDF opens but I cannot print or copy?
That file carries usage restrictions rather than an open password. Leave the password box empty and run the tool. It writes a copy without the restrictions. Please do this only for documents you have the right to change.
Do you store the password I type?
No. It is used once to open your file during this request and then discarded with the temporary files. It is not written to logs. Avoid reusing an important password on any website.
Why does the tool say the password is wrong?
Passwords are case sensitive and spaces count. Check for a leading or trailing space and the right keyboard layout. Some files have separate passwords for opening and for permissions; try the one used to open the file.
What can I do with the unlocked file?
Merge it, split it, compress it, rotate pages or add a watermark with the other PDF tools on this site. You can also add a new password afterwards with the Protect PDF tool.