If you already know the password for a PDF and want to create an unlocked copy (so you don’t have to type the password every time), the fastest and safest way is to open the file in your browser, enter the password once, then print/save it as a new PDF. This method works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and other modern browsers — no extra software required.
Below are simple, step-by-step methods for Chrome (demo), plus alternatives for other browsers, Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile, and command-line power users.
Important: Only remove passwords from PDFs you own or have permission to modify. Don’t try to bypass passwords on documents you are not allowed to change.
🔹 Introduction
Password-protected PDFs are useful for privacy. But if you’re the owner (or you have the password) and want a convenient unlocked copy, you can easily do that by opening the PDF, authenticating with the password, and then saving or printing the document to a new PDF file. The new file will no longer be password protected.
This guide shows the Chrome demo and multiple alternatives so you can choose what fits your device and workflow.
🔹 Method A — Chrome Demo (Fastest & Safe, Works Offline)
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Open Chrome.
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Drag the locked PDF file into a Chrome window, or open
chrome://apps→ open the file, or press Ctrl+O (Cmd+O on Mac) and select the PDF. -
When prompted, enter the PDF password and press Enter. The PDF will open in Chrome’s viewer.
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Press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac) to open the Print dialog.
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Under Destination, choose Save as PDF (or Microsoft Print to PDF on Windows).
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Click Save and choose a filename and location (e.g.,
document-unlocked.pdf). -
The saved PDF is a new copy without the password.
🔹 Method B — Microsoft Edge (Same as Chrome)
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Open the locked PDF in Edge and enter the password.
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Press Ctrl+P → set Printer to Save as PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF.
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Save the file — result: unlocked PDF.
🔹 Method C — Firefox (Print to PDF)
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Open the PDF in Firefox, enter the password.
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Menu → Print (or Ctrl+P) → choose Save to PDF (or a PDF printer) → Save.
🔹 Method D — macOS (Preview)
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Open the password-protected PDF in Preview and enter the password.
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File → Export as PDF (or File → Print → PDF → Save as PDF).
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Save the exported file — it will be unlocked.
🔹 Method E — Windows (Adobe Reader / Print to PDF)
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Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (enter password).
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File → Print → choose Microsoft Print to PDF → Print → Save unlocked copy.
(Note: Adobe Reader does not allow saving unlocked copy directly unless the PDF permissions allow printing — using Print → Save as PDF creates a new file.)
🔹 Method F — Linux / Command Line (qpdf)
For advanced users or batch processing, use qpdf (fast and reliable):
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Install qpdf:
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Ubuntu/Debian:
sudo apt install qpdf -
Fedora:
sudo dnf install qpdf
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Run:
qpdf --password=YOURPASSWORD --decrypt input.pdf output-unlocked.pdf
This creates output-unlocked.pdf without a password.
🔹 Method G — Mobile (Android / iOS)
Android (using Chrome or a PDF viewer):
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Open the PDF in Chrome or a PDF app and enter the password.
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Use the app’s Share → Print option → choose Save as PDF and save back to storage.
iOS (using Files app or Safari):
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Open PDF in Safari or Files and enter the password.
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Tap Share → Print → pinch-out the print preview to create a PDF → Share → Save to Files.
🔹 Security Notes & Best Practices
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Always keep the original password-protected copy until you confirm the unlocked file is correct.
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Avoid uploading sensitive PDFs to unknown online services — prefer offline methods (browser, Preview, qpdf) for privacy.
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If you must use online tools, use reputable services and remove the file after download. Consider encrypting transport if needed.
🔹 Key Features of These Methods
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Works offline — no internet required (Chrome/Edge/Firefox/Preview/qpdf).
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Fast — remove password in under a minute for most files.
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Cross-platform — methods for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
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No extra paid software required for basic tasks.
🔹 Perfect For
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Users who own password-protected PDFs and want a convenient unlocked copy.
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Professionals preparing documents for systems that don’t accept password-protected PDFs.
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Teachers, students, and office workers who repeatedly open the same secured file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will this method break PDF security or signatures?
If the PDF has digital signatures or tamper-protection, printing/exporting to PDF may remove or invalidate signatures. Always keep the original signed file if signatures are required.
Q2: Can I remove a password if I don’t know it?
No. This guide covers removal only when you know the password. Attempting to bypass passwords on files you don’t own or have permission to modify is illegal in many places.
Q3: Is the unlocked PDF identical to the original?
Most visual content remains identical, but metadata, permissions, or interactive features (forms, scripts) may change depending on the method used. Verify the saved file before sharing.
Q4: Are online PDF unlock services safe?
Some are safe for non-sensitive documents, but for private files use offline methods. If you use an online service, pick a reputable provider and read their privacy policy.
Q5: Can I batch-remove passwords from many PDFs?
Yes — use command-line tools like qpdf or scripts that call qpdf for multiple files. Always ensure you have authorization.
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