Learn How to Decrypt PDF Files Protected with User Passwords
It’s been seen that many times users are searching for “how to decrypt PDF files protected with user passwords” Whether it is a Windows or Mac user, everyone is facing issues with encrypted PDF files. PDF files are encrypted with password security it could be either user-level or owner-level.
With the user-level security, the file is restricted to open until and unless the correct password is entered. Also, with owner-level security, the file is secured for printing, copying, editing, etc. Now, in this blog, we will be focusing on how to remove password encryption from PDF.
List of Topics Explained in this Article:
Thus, to get complete information about it, go through this write-up and learn the entire process to decrypt a secured PDF file.
What is the Need to Decrypt PDF Files Protected with User Passwords?
There are many reasons why it is required to remove encryption from PDF documents. These are as follows:
- It is impossible to remember each document’s security password for a lifetime. Therefore, in such cases, the best solution is to remove the PDF password.
- Not allowed to copy, print, or edit the PDF document without entering the correct password.
- Opening the PDF file becomes time-consuming while entering the password for each PDF.
- Sometimes people don’t want to share the password for the PDF document due to some privacy concerns.
User Scenario: How to Remove Password Encryption from PDF
Query: “Recently, I switched to Mac OS X from the Windows operating system. However, I have some password-protected files from which I need to remove encryption. It becomes necessary for me to decrypt PDF files protected with user passwords urgently. Does anyone know how can I decrypt multiple PDF files on a Mac machine? Also, what if I want to remove permission password from PDF documents?”
Solution: Don’t bother. You can easily batch decrypt protected PDF files step by step. There is a perfect solution available to decrypt password-protected PDFs. We have explained it in the below section. So, go through it & understand it more clearly.
How to Remove Password Encryption from PDF on Windows?
If anyone wants to unlock PDF documents without following too many steps, then this is the best solution i.e. PDF Restriction Remover Tool. Using this users can remove any type of restriction applied to a particular PDF file. Multiple PDF files can be inserted into the tool and it can easily process them and unlock the PDF files. The tool allows removing the Owner level password from multiple PDF files.
Working Steps to Decrypt PDF Files Protected With User Passwords
- Launch the tool as it gets downloaded and use the Add File(s) to decrypt password-protected PDF Documents.
- Enter the destination location for the resultant document and choose to Save or Print PDF files.
- Now, to begin the process of unlocking PDF files, the user has to click the “Unlock PDF” button.
Read More: Instant Ways to Merge Secured PDF Files for Mac & Windows OS
Manual Methods to Remove Password Protection from PDF
Two techniques can help to proceed with the task i.e.
- Adobe Acrobat Pro
- Google Chrome
Keep in mind: These are manual solutions, so there is a huge risk of human error, or accidental data corrupted. Therefore, it is suggested to follow the instructions carefully. So, that you won’t face any type of hassle during the task. Plus, for your convenience, both methods are divided into different sections. Let’s start with…
#Approach 1. Decrypt PDF Files Protected with User Passwords Via Adobe Acrobat Pro
Using Adobe Acrobat Pro(paid tool) one can easily remove any type of protections or restrictions from PDF. Remember, operating this solution can be a tedious task due to its complicated GUI. Plus, this approach is not free you have to buy it. After you buy its subscription, just follow the below-mentioned step-wise guidelines:
- Launch the program>select PDF>open with Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Type the correct password in the prompt, and click OK or Enter.
- Acrobat decrypts PDFs, granting access to their contents.
- Navigate to File > Properties > Security > No Security.
- Confirm action, and save the PDF without password protection.
#Approach 2. Google Chrome
It is important to note that with web browsers, you can’t decrypt PDF files protected with user passwords directly. But, there is one trick to execute the procedure, and you don’t have to do anything, just go through the instructions as follows:
- Launch the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Locate the password-protected PDF.
- Input the correct password when prompted.
- The content becomes visible upon successful decryption.
- Navigate, scroll, and interact with content.
- Utilize Chrome’s save/print options as you desire.
Professionally Remove Password Encryption from PDF on Mac
For Mac users, the above-mentioned solution can also be useful as one can batch decrypt PDF files protected with user passwords. Now, follow these steps carefully to carry out the process.
- Launch and run it on a Mac machine to decrypt password-protected PDFs.
- Select either the Add File or Add Folder option & load the PDF file. Enter the user password of the PDF files.
- Decide to Save the files or print them, also use the Change button to set the folder path for saving the files.
- Now, the user has to click the Unlock button to start the procedure.
- The confirmation message is displayed to the user. Now, you have successfully decrypted protected PDF files.
After following the above steps users can open the file without entering the password.
Also Read: How to Save Pages from a PDF Using Best Methods
Traditional Technique to Remove Password Encryption from PDF
Within Mac systems, one solution is available for modifying the PDF as you desire: the Preview Tool( pre-installed solution). It is designed by Apple Inc. with various features like highlighting the important sections of PDFs, text, shapes, and signatures. Moreover, if you are wondering for a free and versatile solution, then it is your go-to.
So what are waiting for? Let’s have a quick look at the outlined points to decrypt PDF files protected with user passwords:
- Launch Preview solution.
- Locate the PDF file, then double-click it to open in Preview.
- Enter the required password when asked.
- Once decrypted, you can access the PDF.
- Lastly, hit the Save or Print button to store the unlocked documents on your PC.
Note: Preview Tool allows you to decrypt one PDF at a time, for large volumes of data this approach won’t be practical.
Conclusion
This article lets you know how to decrypt PDF files protected with user passwords. Individual steps are provided for both Windows and Mac users. According to me, these steps are really simple to follow as they don’t require any technicalities. So, go use these applications and remove encryption from PDF documents hassle-free.
Commonly Asked Queries
Q1. Can I Use specified automated tool to unlock my large files?
Yes, there is no certain limitation on adding files, you can add as many files as you want for unlocking purposes.
Q2. Does this automated solution decrypt secure PDF files without a password?
No, the user will have to enter the document’s open password to unlock or remove the restrictions applied to the PDF.
Q3. What type of restriction can I remove using this smart utility?
The software helps you to remove the restrictions and enables the copy, print, edit, extract, add comment & signature options.