PDFs are used to share and protect documents that cannot or should not be edited. However, there are times when you may not have the password to a secure PDF file and need to access its contents. This could be for a work document that was shared with you or an important personal document. Whatever the reason is, you need a solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore a few different methods for opening a secure PDF file without a password so you can get access to the content you need.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Open Secure PDF File Without Password
There are several reasons why you may need to open a secure PDF file without a password:
– You were given the document by someone else who has since forgotten the password.
– You cannot remember the password for a document that you have secured.
– You found a document online that has valuable information, but it is password-protected, and you cannot contact the owner for the password.
No matter what the situation is, it is important to remember that you should only use these methods for legitimate reasons and not for any illegal activity.
Method 1: Using Google Chrome
Google Chrome is one of the best and easiest ways to access a secure PDF file without a password. Follow the steps below:
1. If you don’t already have Google Chrome, download it from the official website.
2. Open the secured PDF file with Google Chrome. Simply drag and drop the PDF into the browser or right-click on the file and select “Open With” and then choose Google Chrome.
3. Once the file is open, enter the password if you have it. Some secured PDF files allow you to view the content once you enter the password, but some do not.
4. If the PDF file doesn’t open with the password or you don’t have the password, click on the print icon or press the “Ctrl” + “P” keys, then choose “Print.”
5. Choose “Save as PDF” from the list of printers and click “Save.”
6. Choose the location where you want to save the PDF file and click “Save” again.
7. The new PDF file should now be saved without a password, and you can open it without entering one.
Pros:
– This method is completely free and doesn’t require any special software or tools.
– You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use this method. Anyone can do it.
Cons:
– This method may not work for all secured PDF files, especially if they have additional security measures beyond a password.
– If the PDF is protected from printing, this method will not work.
Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is the premium version of Adobe Acrobat Reader that comes with a price tag. However, it is a reliable way to remove the password protection from a PDF file. Follow the steps below:
1. If you don’t already have Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, download the free trial from the official website.
2. Open the secured PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.
3. Enter the password when prompted, if you have it.
4. Click “File” and then “Properties” from the main menu.
5. Click the “Security” tab, and then click “Security Methods.”
6. Choose “No Security” from the drop-down menu next to “Security Method.”
7. Save the unlocked PDF file by clicking “File” and then “Save As.”
Pros:
– Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a reliable and professional tool for accessing and editing PDFs.
– This method works for almost all secured PDF files, regardless of how they are protected.
Cons:
– The price tag for Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is not affordable for everyone.
– This method requires software that not everyone may have experience using.
Method 3: Using Online Tools
There are several online tools that can help you remove the password protection from a secured PDF file. Follow the steps below:
1. Go to the website SmallPDF.
2. Click “Drag & Drop PDF Here” and choose the secured PDF file you want to unlock.
3. Enter the password for the file if you have it.
4. Click the “Unlock PDF” button, and the site will remove the password protection.
5. Download the unlocked PDF file to your computer.
Pros:
– This method is completely free.
– You don’t need to install any additional software to your computer.
Cons:
– Some online tools may not have a secure connection and could potentially compromise your data.
– The number of secrets that can be unlocked is limited.
What to Do If You Can’t Open Secure PDF File Without Password?
If you cannot access a secured PDF file by using the methods above, you have a few options:
1. Contact the owner of the PDF file and ask for the password.
2. Use a professional password recovery tool like Passper PDF Password Remover.
3. Consider the fact that you may not be able to access the content of the PDF file and move on.
Bonus Tip
If you are creating a PDF file, and you want to protect it with a password, there are several online tools available. One great option is Protect PDF.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I open a password-protected PDF file with Adobe Reader?
A: No, you cannot open a password-protected PDF file with Adobe Reader. You need Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or one of the other methods listed above.
Q2: Do online tools store my PDF files?
A: Some online tools may temporarily store your PDF files on their servers, but they usually delete them within a few hours of use. Make sure to read the terms and conditions before using any online tool.
Q3: Is it illegal to remove password protection from a secured PDF file?
A: It depends on your intentions for using the content. If you are using it for illegal or unethical purposes, then it is illegal. However, if you are doing it to access content that you have legal rights to, then it is not illegal.
Q4: Can I remove the security measures from a PDF file completely?
A: Yes, you can remove the security measures from a PDF file, but you need to have access to the password or use a professional tool to do it.
Q5: How do I create a password-protected PDF file?
A: In Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, select File > Protect Using Password, and then follow the prompts to create a password-protected PDF file.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you have a secured PDF file and you cannot access it, it can be frustrating. However, there are several ways to get past password protection. Use the methods above to open a secured PDF file without a password and access the content you need. Remember to use these methods ethically and responsibly for a legitimate purpose.