What is Unlock PDF?
Unlock PDF is a free online tool that removes a password from an encrypted PDF so it opens without one. You supply the document password, and the file is rebuilt in your browser as an unlocked copy. Because removing protection requires re-rendering each page as a high-resolution image, the process happens entirely on your device and your file is never uploaded. Use it only on documents you own or have the right to modify.
Common Use Cases
Open your own locked files
Remove the password from PDFs you created and no longer want to type a password for.
QA test data
Build unencrypted PDF fixtures from password-protected samples when automating import, parsing, or print flows.
Stale archives
Unlock old documents you legitimately own before moving them into an accessible archive.
Restricted-but-openable files
Re-render files that open without a password yet still flag restrictions in some viewers for a clean unprotected copy.
How to Use This Tool
- Drop the password-protected PDF into the upload area
- If prompted, enter the document password and click "Unlock"
- Choose a resolution (150 or 200 DPI) and click "Remove password"
- Watch the per-page progress as the file is re-rendered
- Preview and download the unlocked copy as a new PDF
Related Tools
Learn More
- ISO 32000-2 — PDF Specification ISO 32000-2, the official specification of PDF security and encryption.