Don's Tools · PDF · Remove PDF Password

Remove PDF password

Enter the password of a PDF you can open and get an unlocked copy back, all in your browser.

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Drop a PDF here
or tap to choose · one file · stays on your device
You must know the password. This unlocks a PDF you have the right to open by rebuilding it without protection, all in your browser with nothing uploaded. It works by redrawing each page, so the result is an image-based PDF: the password and restrictions are gone, but text is no longer selectable and the file may be larger. Use the High setting for sharper pages.
Remove PDF Password unlocks a password-protected PDF that you have the right to open, entirely in your browser with nothing uploaded. Enter the correct password and it rebuilds the document without protection by redrawing each page, producing an image-based PDF with the password and restrictions removed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the password to remove it?

Yes. This unlocks a PDF you can already open, so you must enter its correct password. It cannot crack or guess an unknown password.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Everything happens in your browser on your device, so the PDF and its password are never sent anywhere.

Will the unlocked PDF look the same?

It looks the same visually, but it is rebuilt by redrawing each page as an image, so the text is no longer selectable or searchable and the file may be larger. Choose High for sharper pages.

Why rebuild it as images?

Removing protection reliably in the browser, for any encryption type, is done by redrawing the decrypted pages into a fresh, unprotected PDF. It is the trade-off for keeping everything private and on your device.

Is it legal to remove a PDF password?

Only remove protection from documents you own or have permission to modify. This tool is for your own files, not for bypassing protection you are not entitled to.