Unlock a PDF
To remove a PDF password, choose the file, type its password and press Unlock. You get a copy that opens without a password and without restrictions, made on your device.
- ๐ Runs on your device
- โค 0 bytes uploaded
- ๐ด Works offline
- โ Free, no sign-up, no watermark
- โฌ 1.3 MB engine, first use only
How to use Unlock PDF
- Choose the password-protected PDF.
- Type its password (not needed if it only has restrictions).
- Press Unlock PDF.
- Download the unlocked copy.
About Unlock PDF
qpdf is the open-source PDF tool used by many professional programs. Nolo runs it compiled to WebAssembly (1.3 MB, downloaded once and then kept for offline use).
Is it private?
Yes. Unlock PDF runs entirely in your web browser using your device's own processor. Your files are never uploaded to Nolo or anyone else, and the page cannot send them anywhere: its security policy only allows it to talk to nolotools.com, which has no place to receive files. Results are kept encrypted on your device for 60 minutes in Your files, then deleted automatically, or straight away with Delete all. How Nolo works.
Questions and answers
Is my PDF or password uploaded?
No. The PDF is decrypted inside your browser with qpdf (WebAssembly). The file and the password never leave your device.
Can Nolo unlock a PDF if I do not know the password?
No. Unlock PDF removes a password you know. It does not guess or crack passwords.
My PDF opens without a password but I cannot print or copy. Can I fix that?
Yes. Those PDFs only have restrictions. Nolo detects this and removes them without asking for a password. Only do this for documents you have the right to use.
Does unlocking change the content?
No. qpdf only removes the encryption; pages, text, images, bookmarks and forms stay as they were.
Which encryption types are supported?
All standard PDF password security: RC4 40 and 128-bit, AES-128 and AES-256. Certificate-based (public key) encryption is not supported.