In today’s world, where most of our crucial documents are in PDF format, we often face situations where we have to edit a secured PDF document but don’t have the password to unlock it. There could be many reasons why we need to edit such a document, such as making necessary changes for submission, correcting errors, etc.
Editing a secured PDF with a password can be a daunting task. However, it is not impossible. With some techniques and tools, you can edit a secured PDF without the password. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to edit a secured PDF with a password without breaking a sweat.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To edit a secured PDF document, you’ll need the following:
1. A desktop or laptop computer.
2. A PDF editor software that’s capable of editing a secured PDF.
3. A web browser.
4. A stable internet connection.
What requires your attention is…?
Before proceeding with the methods, you should be aware of the potential drawbacks of editing a secured PDF with a password. Keep the following points in mind:
1. Attempting to edit a secured PDF without permission is illegal.
2. The methods discussed here are not foolproof and can cause data loss.
3. Editing a secured PDF with a password can sometimes corrupt the PDF file, making it unreadable.
Method 1: Using Google Drive
Introducing one of the best online tools to edit a secured PDF with a password – Google Drive. Google Drive is a free cloud-based service provided by Google that enables users to store and share their files and documents safely. Here’s how you can edit a secured PDF with Google Drive:
1. Open your web browser and go to Google Drive.
2. Sign in to your Google account to access your Drive.
3. Click on the "New" button on the left-hand side of the screen.
4. Select "File upload" and choose the secured PDF that you want to edit.
5. Once the file is uploaded, right-click on the file and select "Open with" and select "Google Docs".
6. You will now be able to edit the secured PDF in Google Docs.
7. After making the necessary changes, save the document by clicking on "File" and selecting "Save."
Pros: Google Drive is a free solution and is easily accessible from anywhere provided you have an internet connection.
Cons: There is a limit on how much data you can upload to Google Drive, the service might be slow, and the edited document might not look the same as the original PDF.
Method 2: Print and Scan with OCR Software
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software is a useful tool that can convert scanned images of text into editable text. Here’s how you can use OCR to edit a secured PDF with a password:
1. Print the secured PDF to a physical printer.
2. Scan the printed document using OCR software.
3. After the document has been scanned, open it in a PDF editor.
4. Make the necessary changes to the scanned document.
5. Save the edited document to your computer.
Pros: This method is suitable for people who prefer to edit documents with a pen and paper and is useful for people who don’t have access to a PDF editor.
Cons: Documents printed and scanned might not be the same as the original document, the OCR software might not recognize the text, and this process can take some time.
Method 3: Using Third-Party PDF Editing Software
There are various PDF editing tools available that can help you edit a secured PDF with a password. Here’s how to do it:
1. Download and install a third-party PDF editor that supports editing a secured PDF with a password.
2. Once the software is installed, open the secured PDF in the PDF editor.
3. Click on the "Edit" button on the menu bar and make the necessary changes.
4. Save the document by clicking on "File" and selecting "Save."
Pros: Third-party PDF editing software is fast, efficient, and easy to use once you have installed it.
Cons: Some PDF editing software can be expensive, the software might not support all the required functions, and installing third-party software can be risky.
Why Can’t I Edit Secured PDF With Password?
If you’ve ever tried to edit a secured PDF with a password but failed, you might be wondering why. Here are some common reasons why you might not be able to edit a secured PDF with a password and fixes for them:
1. Wrong password – Make sure you’re using the correct password to unlock the PDF. You can try contacts the document’s owner to retrieve the correct password.
2. Permission restrictions – The document’s owner might have restricted editing abilities. You can request permission from the owner to get full editing access.
3. Corrupt file – If the PDF file is corrupted, you won’t be able to edit it. Try downloading a new and uncorrupted copy of the document.
Implications and Recommendations
When attempting to edit a secured PDF with a password, always be cautious and make sure that you have permission to do so. Additionally, we strongly recommend using a reputable PDF editor software if you need to make regular edits to your PDFs. Regularly backing up your files is also essential to prevent data loss in case the files get corrupted.
FAQs
Q: Is it illegal to edit a secured PDF with a password?
A: Editing a secured PDF with the password without permission is illegal.
Q: What can I do if I forgot the password for a secured PDF?
A: You can try using an online password recovery tool.
Q: Why can’t I edit a secured PDF with a password?
A: Some reasons why you might not be able to edit the secured PDF with a password are using the wrong password, permission restrictions, and corrupt files.
Q: Is it possible to edit a secured PDF with a password using free online tools?
A: Yes, using Google Drive, you can edit a secured PDF with a password for free.
Q: Can I damage the secured PDF by editing it with a password?
A: Yes, attempting to edit a secured PDF with a password can sometimes corrupt the PDF file, making it unreadable.
Conclusion
Editing a secured PDF with a password might seem like a challenge, but it is doable with the right tools and techniques. In this blog post, we’ve discussed three effective methods you can use to edit a secured PDF without the password. Remember to be cautious when attempting to edit a secured PDF, and always make sure that you have permission to proceed.