PDF document is one of the most popular file types used these days. It can contain texts, images, hyperlinks, and interactive forms, making it a convenient and efficient file format for various purposes such as reports, manuals, and eBooks, among others. However, there may be instances when a PDF file is password-protected, making it difficult for users to view or edit the document. This challenge may arise when you need to share the document with others or when you need to access the file using a different device. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this challenge and make a PDF document not password-protected.
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Things You Should Prepare for?
Before you proceed with removing a password from a PDF document, there are a few things you should prepare for:
1. PDF viewing software
You will need PDF viewing software to open and adjust the settings of the PDF document. Adobe Acrobat Reader is one of the widely used PDF viewing software that is free to download.
2. PDF editing software
While some PDF viewing software allows for some editing features, there may be limitations as to what you can do. Using a PDF editing software such as Adobe Acrobat DC will provide you with more tools and flexibility.
3. The password of the PDF document
If you are the owner of the PDF document, you should have the password to access the document. If not, you will need to ask the owner or creator of the document for the password.
3 Methods to Make a PDF Document Not Password Protected
Method 1: Use Adobe Acrobat DC
Adobe Acrobat DC is a powerful PDF editing software that enables users to modify, combine and export PDF files. Here are the steps to make a PDF document not password-protected using Adobe Acrobat DC:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat DC software and click on the "File" menu.
2. Select "Open" and choose the password-protected PDF document you want to remove the password from.
3. Enter the password to access the document.
4. Click on the "File" menu again and select "Properties."
5. Click on the "Security" tab and click on "No Security" from the drop-down menu next to "Security Method."
6. Choose "OK" to save the changes.
7. Click on the "File" menu and select "Save" to save the file.
Pros:
– Provides comprehensive PDF editing tools
– Enables you to adjust permissions to protect your PDF document
– Allows you to export your file to various file formats
Cons:
– Requires a paid subscription to access all features
– May have a steep learning curve for new users
Method 2: Use Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a web-based platform that offers a range of PDF tools, including PDF conversion, compression, and editing. Here are the steps to make a PDF document not password-protected using Smallpdf:
1. Go to the Smallpdf website and click on the "Unlock PDF" tool.
2. Drag and drop the password-protected PDF document on the tool or select the file from your device.
3. Enter the password to unlock the document.
4. Click on the "Download" button to save the file to your computer.
Pros:
– No software installation required
– Provides a range of PDF tools for free
– Simple and user-friendly interface
Cons:
– Limited editing options
– May be slower compared to desktop editing software
Method 3: Print the PDF Document as a New File
Another way to make a PDF document not password-protected is by printing the file as a new PDF document. This method works by creating a new PDF document without the password protection. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the password-protected PDF document using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Click on the "File" menu and select "Print."
3. Choose "Microsoft Print to PDF" as your printer.
4. Click on the "Print" button to create a new PDF document without password protection.
5. Save the new PDF document to your computer.
Pros:
– Simple and straightforward method
– Requires no additional software installation
Cons:
– May result in lower quality PDF files compared to the original
– Some of the formatting may be lost during the printing process
Why Can’t I Make a PDF Document Not Password Protected?
Sometimes, you may encounter issues in making a PDF document not password-protected. Here are some of the reasons why this may happen and how to fix them:
1. You do not have the password to access the document.
Solution: Ask the owner or creator of the document for the password.
2. The PDF document is protected against printing or editing.
Solution: Use an advanced PDF editor such as Adobe Acrobat DC to modify the permissions and remove the password.
3. The PDF document is corrupted or damaged.
Solution: Try to repair the file using a PDF recovery tool or open a backup copy of the document.
Additional Tips
– If you are sharing a PDF document with others, consider using a secure file-sharing platform such as Dropbox or Google Drive to ensure the confidentiality of the document.
– Remember to keep a backup copy of your PDF files to avoid losing data or important information.
5 FAQs
Q1. Can I remove the password from a PDF document without using software?
A1. No, you will need PDF viewing or editing software to remove the password from a PDF document.
Q2. Is using web-based PDF tools safe?
A2. Yes, reputable web-based PDF tools such as Smallpdf use SSL encryption to ensure the protection of user data.
Q3. Will removing the password protection from a PDF document alter its contents?
A3. No, removing the password protection will not alter the contents of the PDF document.
Q4. Can I edit a PDF document after removing the password protection?
A4. Yes, you can edit a PDF document after removing the password protection using PDF editing software.
Q5. Can I password protect a PDF document after removing password protection?
A5. Yes, you can password protect your PDF document again using PDF editing software.
In Conclusion
Removing the password protection from a PDF document may be challenging, but with the right tools and methods, it is possible. Using PDF editing software such as Adobe Acrobat DC provides advanced editing options, while web-based platforms like Smallpdf offer a range of tools for free. Printing the PDF document as a new file is also an option, but it may result in lower quality files. Regardless of the method you choose, always remember to keep a backup copy of your PDF documents and use secure file-sharing platforms when sharing files with others.