πPDF Unlock
Check whether a PDF is password-protected, right in your browser. Browser PDF libraries cannot decrypt files, so removing a password is not possible here β encrypted files are reported as such. PDFs without a password can be re-saved in a standard form to clean up viewer errors.
How to use
- 1Upload a locked PDF file.
- 2Enter the password if you know it, otherwise leave blank.
- 3Click Unlock.
- 4If it succeeds, download the unlocked PDF.
FAQ
Can this remove a PDF password?+
No. The browser PDF library (pdf-lib) does not support decryption. It used to produce a file that looked unlocked but was actually corrupt, so now encryption is detected and reported honestly. To truly remove a password, use Adobe Acrobat, Hancom Office, or a similar desktop application with the correct password.
Does it support brute-force cracking?+
No. This tool doesn't crack passwords. It's intended for legitimate unlocking of PDFs you own.
Then what is this tool for?+
(1) To check whether a PDF you received is encrypted or permission-restricted, and (2) to re-save a non-encrypted PDF in a standard form, which can clear up open errors in some viewers. If you need to remove a password, use a desktop application.
Is this legal?+
Only process files you own or have a legitimate right to unlock. Unlocking someone else's PDF without permission may violate copyright or computer access laws β responsibility rests with the user.
Is the original file modified?+
No. The original stays intact and only a new unlocked copy is downloaded.
Is the file sent to a server?+
Everything is processed in your browser β neither the PDF nor the password is transmitted.