How to remove a password from a PDF

If you own a PDF and know its password, removing it makes the file convenient to open. If you do not know the password, no legitimate tool can help — that is the point of encryption.

You need the password

Removing protection requires decrypting the file, which requires the password. Tools that claim to "crack" strong AES encryption are either scams or apply to trivially weak files.

The honest workflow

Open the file with its password, then re-save without one. Now it opens freely for everyone you share it with.

Keep a protected copy

If the document is sensitive, keep the encrypted original and only distribute the unlocked copy where appropriate.