How to remove a password from a PDF

There are several ways to save a PDF without its password. Here they are, from quickest to most manual.

Open the tool: Remove Password from PDF

1. In your browser with this tool

Drop the PDF, type the password once and save the unlocked copy. It works the same on Windows, Mac, Chromebooks and phones.

2. With Chrome's print dialog

Open the PDF in Chrome, enter the password, press Print and choose Save as PDF. This works when printing is allowed, but it can lose links, bookmarks and form fields.

3. With Adobe Acrobat Pro

Open the file, go to Protect, choose Encrypt and Remove Security, then save. This needs a paid Acrobat subscription.

Good practice

  • Keep the original protected file as a backup.
  • Only unlock files that you own or may use.
  • Store unlocked financial documents somewhere safe.