Unlock a PDF — Remove a Password You Know

What you can do

• •Remove the open password from a PDF when you know it
• •Works with AES-256 and RC4 protection (AES-128 is not supported yet)
• •Open previously protected files for merging, compressing, or editing
• •Process unlock locally — the password stays in the browser session
• •Re-protect the file later with a new password if you need to

How it works

1. 1

   Select the locked PDF

   Choose the password-protected file.

2. 2

   Enter the password

   Provide the known password so decryption can run locally.

3. 3

   Download

   Save the unlocked PDF.

Common uses

• •Unlock your own archived PDFs to merge or compress them
• •Remove a password you set earlier so a teammate can edit
• •Open a protected attachment you have rights to use
• •Prepare unlocked copies for tools that cannot read encrypted PDFs

Frequently asked questions

Can this crack or recover a password I do not know?

No. You must already know the password. This removes protection from your own files — it does not guess, brute-force, or bypass an unknown password.

Which encryption types are supported?

AES-256 and RC4 protected PDFs can be unlocked. AES-128 is not supported yet, and the tool tells you when it runs into one rather than failing silently.

Will the unlocked file still need a password?

No. The download is saved without the open password you removed.

Why would I need to unlock a PDF I can already open?

Many tools — including merge, compress, and organize — cannot read an encrypted PDF. Unlocking first lets those tools work on the file.

Can I protect the file again afterward?

Yes. Use Protect PDF to set a new AES-256 open password.

Do I need an account?

No account or sign-up is required.

Related PDF tools

• Protect PDF
• Compress PDF
• Organize PDF
• All PDF tools