Unlock PDF
Remove PDF password and restrictions with the password you know (not a cracker)
Drag & drop files here
or browse files
Only for encrypted PDFs you are allowed to handle and know the password for
About this tool
You encrypted a PDF yourself and the password note is long gone, or a colleague sent an encrypted file you need to archive - enter the correct open password and this tool removes the encryption and restrictions, producing a normal password-free PDF. Decryption runs locally through a WASM build of qpdf, which rewrites the PDF object by object: the text layer and quality are untouched.
Honest caveat: this tool only works on files you are allowed to handle and know the password for - it needs the correct password and cannot crack or bypass any encryption. For forgotten passwords, recover them through the file owner or the proper channels. Make sure you have the right to process the document before unlocking.
Features
- Removes the open password and permission limits with a known password
- qpdf WASM decrypts by object - zero loss to text and quality
- Fully local: neither the file nor the password is uploaded
- A wrong password is reported clearly, never a broken output
- Free, no signup, no limits, no watermark
How to use
- Drop or select the encrypted PDF
- Enter its open password
- Click Unlock PDF and wait for the local decryption
- Download the password-free PDF
Frequently asked questions
- Can it unlock a PDF whose password I forgot?
- No. The correct open password is required for decryption - this is not a password cracking tool and cannot bypass encryption. Recover the password from the file owner first.
- Does unlocking lose content or quality?
- No. qpdf decrypts and rewrites the PDF objects directly without re-rendering: text stays selectable and images and vector graphics are untouched.
- Are my file and password uploaded?
- No. Decryption happens entirely in your browser's memory; neither the file nor the password is sent anywhere. It even works offline, which matters for sensitive documents.
- What about PDFs that open fine but block printing or copying?
- Those carry only an owner password for permissions and no open password. Submit the file without entering anything - the tool outputs a PDF with every restriction removed.