How to Disable Password in PDF? Solutions Here!
Dealing with a password-protected PDF every time you need to view it can be a significant hassle. While password protection is crucial for securing sensitive information during transit, it can become an obstacle for documents you access frequently. Whether you know or forgot the password and simply want to disable it for convenience, you're in the right place.
This guide will walk you through simple and proven methods to permanently disbale password in PDF. We'll start with the quickest free methods that work for almost everyone before covering the professional-grade approach. Forget typing that password over and over again—let's create an easy-access version of your file.
- Quick Look: Which is the Best Way to Disable Password in PDF for You
- Method 1. Using a Web Browser to Disable Password in PDF
- Method 2. Use TunesKit File Password Recovery HOT
- Method 3. The Native Preview App Method [Mac Only]
- Method 4: Using Online Password Remover Tool
- Method 5. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Look: Which is the Best Way to Disable Password in PDF for You
Before you try using solutions to disable password in PDF, you can check the below comparison chart first and see which is the best solutions for you.
| Method | Cost | Platform | Password Supported | Security Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TunesKit File Password Recovery | Paid | Win, Mac | User password and owner password | Highest | High success rate and easy to use for all users. |
| Web Browser | Free | Windows, Mac, Linux | Owner password only | Highest | Quick, easy, and secure removal for any user. |
| macOS Preview App | Free | Mac Only | Owner password only | Highest | Mac users who prefer a native application. |
| Adobe Acrobat Pro | Paid Subscription | Windows, Mac | Owner password only | Highest | Users with an Acrobat subscription or needing advanced security options. |
| Online Tools | Free | Any | User password and owner password | Lowest | Non-sensitive documents only, when no other option is available. |
Pro-tip:Method 1. Using a Web Browser to Disable Password in PDF
You don't need any special software to disable a PDF password. The most universally effective method uses a feature already built into modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari: the "Print to PDF" function. This trick works by "printing" a new, unlocked version of the document.
This method is incredibly safe because the file never leaves your computer. It's ideal for quickly removing a Document Open Password (the password required to view the file).
The following is the step-by-step guide for Google Chrome / Microsoft Edge to disable password in PDF.
Step 1. Find the PDF file on your computer. Drag and drop it directly into an open Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge window.
Step 2. The browser will prompt you for the password. Type it in and press Submit to unlock and view the document.
Step 3. Once the document is visible, open the print dialog. You can do this by clicking the small printer icon usually located in the top-right corner or by using a keyboard shortcut:
- Windows: Ctrl + P
- Mac: Cmd + P
Step 4. In the print menu, look for the Destination field. Click the dropdown menu and select Save as PDF. Do not choose a physical printer.
Step 5. Click the Save button. Your computer will ask you where you want to save the new file. Choose a location, give it a new name if you wish, and click Save.
That's it. The new file you just saved is an identical copy of the original, but it is completely free of any password protection.
Method 2: Disable Password in PDF via TunesKit File Password Recovery
Finding the best way to disable password in PDF when you can't remember the correct password? Using a third-party tool like TunesKit File Password Recovery can be the most effective solution. TunesKit File Password Recovery is an almighty file password unlocking tool, helping users remove file password from PDF, Word/PPT/Excel, and RAR/Zip.
With the straightforward user interface, users can easily disable password in PDF without encountering any hassle. To recover the PDF password, TunesKit provides 3 different modes, including Dictionary Attack, Combination Attack, and Brute Force Attack, meeting your different needs.
TunesKit File Password Recovery
Disable password in PDF in simple clicks. Remove restrictions on editing, copying, printing and sharing without limits.
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600,000+ Downloads
The following steps will show you how to disable password in PDF by using TunesKit File Password Recovery.
Step 1Download and Install Program
Download and install TunesKit File Password Recovery on your computer first. Launch the program when it is installed successfully. To disable password in PDF, select PDF in the main screen of the program, and click on the Remove PDF Restrictions feature.
Step 2Upload PDF to the Program
Upload the password-protected PDF file to TunesKit File Password Recovery, or drag and drop the file to the program. Click on the Start remove button.
Step 3Disable Password in PDF
After clicking the button, TunesKit will start to disable password in PDF. You can then open the PDF file without encountering the password.
Method 3. Preview App to Disable Password in PDF
If you're using a Mac, you have another excellent, built-in tool at your disposal: the Preview app. This method is just as secure and easy as the browser trick, allowing you to create an unlocked copy of your PDF without needing any additional software.
The following is a simple 4-Step guide to disable password in PDF.
Step 1. Double-click your PDF file. It should automatically open in the Preview app.
Step 2. Preview will immediately ask for the password to unlock the file. Enter it and click OK to view the document.
Step 3. With the document open, go to the menu bar at the top of your screen. Click File and then select Export... from the dropdown menu.
Step 4. An export dialog box will appear. Here, you can rename your file and choose where to save it. Finally, click Save.
The new PDF you just exported will be a password-free version of your original document, ready for easy access anytime.
Method 4: Online Tool to Disable Password in PDF
For the sake of convenience, many websites offer to disable PDF password online. While this can seem like the quickest solution, it comes with significant security and privacy risks.
Warning: When you use an online tool, you upload your entire document to a third-party server. You lose control over who can see your data and how it is stored. Never upload a PDF containing sensitive, confidential, or personal information.
The following steps are how to disable password in PDF by using online tools.
Step 1. Navigate to an online PDF password remover website like ilovepdf.com.
Step 2. Drag and drop your file or use the Select PDF File button to upload the password-protected PDF.
Step 3. Click on the Unlock PDF button to unlock the PDF file
Step 4. The tool will process the file on its server and provide a download link for the new, unlocked PDF.
Method 5. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
If you have a subscription to Adobe Acrobat Pro, you have access to the official, industry-standard tool for managing PDF security, allows users to disable password in PDF. This is the most direct method and is especially useful for removing a Permissions Password (which restricts actions like printing or editing) while leaving a Document Open Password intact, or vice-versa.
Here is how to disable password in PDF by using Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Step 1. Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro and open your password-protected PDF.
Step 2. Enter the password when prompted.
Step 3. At the top of the sidebar you will see an option labeled Advanced. Click it, then select Security, the hit Remove Security.
Step 5. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm that you want to remove security from the document. Click "OK".
Step 6. You must save the file for the changes to take effect. Go to File > Save to overwrite the original, or File > Save As... to create a new, unlocked copy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q: Can I remove a password if I've forgotten it?
A: The methods described in this article require you to know the original password. Removing a password you don't know is a complex process known as password recovery or cracking. It is often unsuccessful for strongly encrypted files and can have ethical and legal implications depending on your right to access the document.
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Q: What's the difference between a user and owner password?
A: A User Password (or "Document Open" password) is what you need to simply open and view the file. An Owner Password (or "Permissions" password) restricts actions like printing, copying text, or editing the document, even if you can open it. The methods in this guide will remove both types of passwords from the new file you create.
Conclusion
You no longer have to be bothered by a password prompt every time you open that important PDF. By using professional tools like TunesKit File Password Recovery, you can easily create a password-free version of your document. By choosing offline methods above, you ensure your information remains private while making your workflow more convenient.
