Unlock PDF
Save a copy of a PDF without its password, so it opens straight away, or remove restrictions that stop printing, copying or editing. Your file and password never leave your device.
- Runs in your browser
- No sign-up
- Nothing uploaded
Your files
How to use the Unlock PDF
- Add one or more PDF files. Each one shows whether it needs a password or only has restrictions.
- If a file asks for a password when you open it, type that password in the box (it is used for every file in the list).
- Press "Unlock". Each file is opened with the password and saved again without encryption.
- Download the unlocked PDF, or all of them as a ZIP.
PDFs can carry two passwords. An open password must be typed to view the file; you need to know it to unlock the file here. A permissions password only blocks printing, copying or editing; such files open without a password, and File Perks removes the restrictions without needing it.
File Perks does not guess, recover or crack passwords. Only unlock documents you own or are allowed to change. See the Terms.
Formats and limits
- Opens
- Creates
- The same PDF without its password or restrictions
- File size
- Up to 50 MB per file, 20 files (200 MB) at a time
- Processing
- On your device, in your browser
Good to know
- You need the open password for files that ask for one. A forgotten password cannot be recovered here.
- PDFs up to 50 MB. Large PDFs need memory; a computer handles them best.
- Supports standard PDF encryption (RC4 40/128-bit, AES-128, AES-256). PDFs protected by certificates or a DRM service cannot be unlocked.
- The unlocked copy keeps the pages, text, images, links and form fields. Digital signatures stop being valid, because the file changes.
Your files are processed on your own device. They are not uploaded to File Perks or anyone else. Read the Privacy Policy.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to unlock a PDF?
Removing a password from your own document, or one you have permission to use, is fine. File Perks only works with the password you provide, or on files that already open without one; it cannot break into a file.
Is my password sent anywhere?
No. The PDF and the password stay in your browser. The password is not stored and is cleared when you start over or leave the page.
I forgot the password. Can File Perks open the PDF?
No. Without the open password the file cannot be decrypted, and File Perks does not attempt to guess it. Ask the person who sent the file for the password or an unlocked copy.
What happens to a digital signature?
Unlocking saves the file again, so any digital signature no longer validates. Keep the original if you need the signature.