Have you ever been stuck with a password-protected PDF and couldn’t remember the password? Or maybe you are the creator of the PDF, but you want to share it without the hassle of passwords. Don’t worry, removing a password from a PDF is easier than you might think! In just a few simple steps, you can have a password-free PDF that’s ready to be shared or edited.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Remove Password from PDF
Before we jump into the steps, let’s quickly go over what we’re about to do. By following this tutorial, you’ll remove the password protection from your PDF, allowing you to access it freely.
Step 1: Open the PDF
Open the PDF file that you want to remove the password from.
Once you’ve located the PDF you want to work with, open it using any PDF reader. If the PDF is password-protected, you’ll be prompted to enter the password. Go ahead and enter the password to open the document.
Step 2: Print the PDF
Go to the ‘File’ menu and select ‘Print’ or use the ‘Ctrl + P’ shortcut on your keyboard.
When the print dialogue box opens up, choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” as your printer. This step might seem a bit odd, but trust me, it’s a clever workaround that will help us remove the password.
Step 3: Save as a New PDF
Click ‘Print’ and save the file as a new PDF on your computer.
After clicking ‘Print,’ you’ll be asked where you want to save the new PDF. Choose a location and give your new, password-free PDF a name. Then, hit ‘Save,’ and voilà! You now have a copy of the original PDF without password protection.
Once you complete these steps, you will have a new PDF file that is free from password protection. You can now access this document without the need to enter a password, making it easier to share and edit.
Tips: How to Remove Password from PDF
- Always ensure you have the right to remove the password from a PDF, especially if it’s not a document you’ve created.
- Keep a backup of the original password-protected PDF, just in case you need to refer back to it.
- If you’re using a Mac, you can use the ‘Preview’ app to remove the password by following similar steps.
- Remember that some PDFs might have editing or printing restrictions that prevent this method from working.
- Always double-check the new PDF to make sure all the content transferred correctly without any errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to remove a password from a PDF?
It is legal to remove a password from a PDF if you are the creator or have been given permission by the creator to do so.
Can I remove the password from a PDF on my mobile device?
Yes, there are apps available for both Android and iOS that can remove passwords from PDFs.
Will the quality of the PDF be affected after removing the password?
The quality of the PDF should not be affected. However, it’s always a good idea to check the new document for any potential formatting issues.
What if I don’t know the password?
Unfortunately, if you do not know the password, you will not be able to remove it using these steps. You may need to contact the creator of the PDF for the password.
Can I remove the password from a PDF for free?
Yes, the method described above is free and does not require any special software or services.
Summary
- Open the password-protected PDF.
- Use the ‘Print’ function and select ‘Microsoft Print to PDF.’
- Save the printed file as a new PDF.
Conclusion
Removing a password from a PDF can seem daunting at first, but with the right steps, it’s a breeze. Whether you’re looking to unlock a document for easier access or preparing a file to share with others, the process is straightforward and quick. Remember, though, it’s essential to have the legal right to alter the document before you begin. After you’ve successfully removed the password, you can enjoy the convenience of a password-free PDF, ready for whatever you need it for. Don’t let a forgotten password slow you down – with this simple guide, you’re well on your way to accessing your important documents with ease.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.