How do I remove a password from a PDF if I know the password?

Enter the known password in PDF Legacy's Unlock tool. The tool removes encryption and outputs an unprotected PDF that opens without passwords.

Can I unlock a PDF for printing if it has copy restrictions?

If you have the open password, PDF Legacy removes all restrictions including print, copy, and edit locks. The output PDF is fully accessible.

Is there a free tool to remove PDF password protection?

Yes. PDF Legacy's Unlock tool is free for passwords you know. We do not support cracking unknown passwords — that would be illegal and unethical.

How do I check if a PDF is password-protected before unlocking?

If a PDF asks for a password when opening, it's encrypted. PDF Legacy's Unlock tool accepts the password and removes it. If no password is needed, the PDF may just have permission restrictions.

Will unlocking a PDF change its content or formatting?

No. PDF Legacy only removes the encryption layer. All text, images, fonts, and layout remain exactly identical to the original.

WorkspaceKnowledge Base

Edit & Optimize · Tool

Unlock PDF — remove protection

Enter your password to remove encryption, restrictions & print locks from your PDF

Upload

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Unlock

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Download

Drop your password-protected PDF

Enter the password to remove encryption & all restrictions
100% secure · Processed locally · Zero retention

Accepts:Password-protected PDFRestricted PDF

Files never stored · End-to-end encrypted

#HOW IT WORKS

How to unlock password-protected PDF files online

Three simple steps to remove owner passwords, print blocks, and permission locks in your browser.

Upload your protected PDF

Click Browse file or drag your password-protected PDF into the upload area above.

Enter the document password

Type the open password provided by the document creator to remove encryption and permission locks.

Download your unlocked PDF

Click Unlock PDF to remove security restrictions and save an unprotected copy directly to your device.

#COMPARISON

PDF Legacy vs online PDF unlockers

How client-side password decryption compares to third-party cloud tools.

FEATURE COMPARISONCloud PDF Unlockers

PDF Legacy Unlock EngineRECOMMENDED

File Security & Privacy

Uploads your protected financial, legal, or personal documents to remote cloud servers.

Decrypts documents directly in your web browser memory. Passwords and files never leave your computer.

Password & Encryption Removal

Struggles with modern 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption standards.

Handles standard open passwords and permissions locks with instant local JavaScript execution.

Permission Block Removal

Requires paid upgrades to remove print, edit, or copy restrictions.

Removes printing, editing, and copying restrictions completely free.

File Size & Upload Limits

Caps file sizes and daily unlock operations unless you buy a subscription.

Unlimited file unlocks with no file size caps, queue delays, or forced registration.

Output Quality & Integrity

May re-compress pages and degrade embedded images during server processing.

Preserves exact original page vectors, fonts, images, and layout formatting.

#KEY FEATURES

Complete PDF decryption & restriction removal

Remove open passwords, print locks, editing blocks, and text copying restrictions.

100% In-Browser Decryption

Your passwords and PDF files stay on your computer. Decryption processing happens locally inside browser memory.

Remove Owner & User Passwords

Strip away open passwords and owner security settings when you have authorization.

Unlock Print & Edit Restrictions

Enable grayed-out print options, form field editing, and content extraction on restricted documents.

AES Encryption Support

Compatible with standard 48-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit AES password-protected PDF files.

Zero Server Storage

No temporary files, no database logs, and no cloud uploads — total privacy guaranteed.

Free Without Watermarks

Download clean, unrestricted PDF copies without branding stamps or hidden fees.

#FAQ