Is my PDF uploaded to a server?

No. qpdf runs locally as WebAssembly in your browser. Your file and password never leave your device.

What types of PDF passwords can this remove?

qpdf handles the standard PDF security formats: 40-bit and 128-bit RC4 and 128-bit and 256-bit AES. If a file only has an owner (permissions) password, leave the box empty and the print, copy and edit limits are removed.

What if I enter the wrong password?

The qpdf engine rejects the document and the tool shows an inline error. Double-check the password and try again.

Can this crack an unknown password?

No. This tool only removes protection when you supply the correct password. It does not perform brute-force or dictionary attacks.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no server-side limit since all processing is local. Very large files (100 MB+) may take a few seconds depending on your device.

Will the unlocked PDF look identical to the original?

Yes. Only the encryption wrapper is removed. All content, images, fonts, and formatting are preserved exactly.

Can I unlock a PDF on an iPhone or Android phone?

Yes. The tool runs in mobile Safari and Chrome. Pick the PDF from Files or Drive, enter the password, and the unlocked copy goes to your downloads.

Is it legal to remove a PDF password?

Removing a password from your own file, or one you have permission to use, is normally fine. Unlocking someone else's protected document can break copyright or contract terms, so check before you share the unlocked copy.

PDF Unlock

Upload a password-protected PDF, enter the password, and download an unlocked copy — everything runs in your browser.

To unlock a PDF, drop it here, type the password that opens it and click Unlock and Download.

Unlock Settings

Click or drag a PDF here

Password-protected PDFs only

PDF Password (required to open the file)

Leave blank if the PDF only has owner restrictions (no open password).

File Status

No PDF loaded

Upload a password-protected PDF on the left to begin

Quick answer

To unlock a PDF, drop it here, type the password that opens it and click Unlock and Download. If the file opens without a password but blocks printing, copying or editing, leave the box empty. qpdf runs in your browser, so the file is never uploaded.

Examples

Your PDF	What to do
Asks for a password to open, and you know it	Enter it, then Unlock and Download
Opens, but printing or copying is blocked	Leave the password box empty
Asks for a password you do not know	Not possible here: the tool does not crack passwords
Unlocked copy	Saved as yourfile_unlocked.pdf

Drop a PDF to unlock it.

Summary

Upload a password-protected PDF, enter the password, and download an unlocked copy — everything runs in your browser.

How it works

Click or drag a password-protected PDF into the upload area.
Enter the password required to open the file.
Click "Unlock and Download" to process the PDF in your browser.
The unlocked PDF is saved directly to your device.
Keep the original file until you confirm the unlocked copy opens correctly.

Use cases

Removing an open password from a PDF you own.
Unlocking old archived PDFs whose passwords you still know.
Stripping password protection before printing or annotating.
Preparing secured PDFs for merging or splitting with other tools.
Recovering access to documents after password managers sync issues.
Batch-preparing encrypted PDFs for long-term archival storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-05-29 · Reviewed by Nham Vu