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Unlock a PDF When You Know the Password

Type the password once and get a copy that opens without it. Files that only block printing or copying unlock without any password. Your text, links and forms are kept.

How to unlock a PDF

  1. 1

    Choose the locked PDF

    Pick the file. It opens for the current task and is not retained by PilotPDF.

  2. 2

    Type the password, if it has one

    Enter the password you use to open the file. If the PDF opens fine and only blocks printing or copying, leave the box empty.

  3. 3

    Download the unlocked copy

    You get a copy with no password and no restrictions. Your text, links and forms are unchanged.

Two kinds of PDF lock

An open password stops anyone from viewing the file until they type it. Bank statements and payslips often come like this. To unlock one of these you need the password; this tool doesn't guess or crack it.

Restrictions are different. The PDF opens normally, but printing, copying text or editing is blocked. These files don't need a password to unlock: leave the box empty and the restrictions are removed.

What stays the same

The tool takes the encryption off the original file rather than redrawing it, so the unlocked copy looks and behaves like the original: text is still searchable and copyable, links and bookmarks still work, and form fields can still be filled.

Once a PDF is unlocked, anyone who gets a copy can open it. Store it somewhere safe, and use Protect PDF if you need to lock it again with a new password.

Your files are never retained by PilotPDF

PilotPDF does not keep copies of your original files, completed files, passwords, or document contents after processing.

Read our privacy policy for details about analytics and data handling.

Related tools

Protect PDF

Add password encryption to a document.

Merge PDF

Combine unlocked statements into one file.

Flatten PDF

Make filled-in form fields permanent.

Edit PDF Metadata

Fix titles and authors on archived documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose the PDF, type the password you use to open it, and click Unlock PDF. You get a copy that opens without a password and has no printing or copying limits.
No. It doesn't guess or crack passwords. You need the password the file asks for when you open it.
No. That kind of PDF only has restrictions, not an open password. Leave the password box empty and click Unlock PDF; the restrictions are removed.
Yes. The tool takes the encryption off the original file instead of redrawing the pages, so text stays searchable and copyable, and links, form fields and bookmarks keep working.
The password didn't match. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check Caps Lock and try again. If you've lost the password, ask whoever sent you the file.
The usual ones: AES-256, AES-128 and the older RC4 used by most PDF software. A file that is damaged, or uses a company rights-management system, may not unlock.
The tool tells you so, instead of handing back an identical copy.
No. You download a new, unlocked copy. Keep it somewhere safe, because anyone who gets it can now open it.
Yes. Use Protect PDF to add a new password or new restrictions.
No. Both stay online, and the unlocking is completed without PilotPDF retaining the file.