This wikiHow teaches you how to open or print the contents of a password-protected PDF file. There are two types of protected PDF files: user-locked (you need to enter user password to be able to view content) and owner-locked (you need owner password to copy, print, or modify content). While you can't open password-protected PDF files, you can access owner-locked PDF files whose passwords may be forgotten using Google Chrome. If you want to remove a known user's password from a PDF file, you can also use Google Chrome. Alternatively, you can also use Soda PDF or Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Google Chrome
Step 1. Open
Google Chrome.
Google Chrome is the only browser where you can use the print ("Print") feature to remove user passwords from PDF files.
Step 2. Open Google Drive
Visit https://drive.google.com/drive/ through your computer's web browser. The Google Drive page will be displayed as long as you are signed in to your Google account.
If not, click the link " Go to Drive ” and enter the account email address and password.
Step 3. Click and drag the PDF file into the Google Drive window
The file will be added to Google Drive afterwards.
You can also click the “ New ” in the upper right corner of the Google Drive window, select “ File Upload ”, select the PDF file, and click the “button OK ” to upload it.
Step 4. Double-click the PDF file that has been uploaded to Google Drive
After that, the PDF file will be opened in the Google Chrome browser.
If the PDF file is protected by a user-locked password, enter the password and click the “ Submit ” to view the content.
Step 5. Open the "Print" window or screen
Once the PDF file is open, press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac). The "Print" window will be displayed on the screen afterwards.
Step 6. Click Change…
It's under the " Destination " heading on the left side of the Chrome window. A new menu will be displayed after that.
Step 7. Click Save as PDF
This option is under the "Local Options" section of the "Select a Destination" menu.
Step 8. Click the blue Save button
It's in the upper-left corner of the window. After that, the PDF file will be downloaded to your computer as an unprotected file. Now you can print, edit, and copy text from the file.
You may need to specify a save location before the file is downloaded
Method 2 of 3: Using Soda PDF for Files with User-Password (User-Password)
Step 1. Go to Soda PDF protection remover site
Visit https://www.sodapdf.com/unlock-pdf/ via your computer's web browser.
Step 2. Click the CHOOSE FILE button
It's a green button on the right side of the page. After that, a File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) window will appear.
Step 3. Select the PDF file
In the file browsing window that appears, visit the location where the PDF file was saved, and then click the file once to select it.
Step 4. Click Open
It's in the lower-right corner of the window. Once clicked, the selected PDF file will be uploaded to the Soda PDF site.
Step 5. Enter the user password
In the text field that appears, type the password used to open the PDF file.
If you don't know the user's password, you can't unprotect or unprotect the PDF file
Step 6. Click UNLOCK
It's a green button at the bottom of the password field. Soda PDF will remove the encryption from the PDF file.
Step 7. Click VIEW & DOWNLOAD IN BROWSER
It's on the right side of the page. After that, the unprotected PDF file will be downloaded to your computer so you can open it without entering a password.
You may need to select a save location or confirm the download before the PDF file is downloaded, depending on your browser settings
Method 3 of 3: Using Adobe Acrobat for Files with User-Passwords (User-Password)
Step 1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro
This program is a paid version of Adobe Acrobat. If you only have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you cannot unlock or unprotect PDF files with this method.
Step 2. Click File
It's in the upper-left corner of the window (or screen on a Mac). Once clicked, a drop-down menu will appear.
Alternatively, if the PDF window displays a " Recently Viewed " tab, you can check that tab to see if the file you want is displayed in the list
Step 3. Click Open
If you want to search for PDF files in the "Recently Viewed" tab or segment, skip this step.
Step 4. Double-click the PDF file you want to open
After that, the PDF file will open in an Adobe Acrobat window.
You may need to select a new directory (eg “Desktop” or “Documents”) first to locate the desired PDF file
Step 5. Enter the user password
Type in the password required to open the PDF file, then click the “ OK ”.
If you do not know the user password, you cannot open the PDF file
Step 6. Click the padlock lock icon
This icon is displayed on the left side of the screen, under the "Home" tab.
Step 7. Click Permission Details
This link is displayed under the "Security Settings" heading.
Step 8. Click the Security Method box
This box is labeled "Password Security" or something.
Step 9. Select No Security
This option is in the drop-down menu that appears.
Step 10. Re-enter the password
Type in the password for the PDF file, then click the “ OK twice. As long as the correct password is entered, your PDF file will no longer have password protection.
