How to Unlock a PDF: Best Tools in 2025

Category: Edit PDF

May 26, 2025 6 mins read

Locked out of your own PDF? Whether it’s a forgotten password or a file that won’t let you print or copy text, dealing with restricted PDFs can be frustrating. Fortunately, 2025 brings smarter, faster solutions to this common problem.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to unlock a PDF using the best tools available in 2025—no tech expertise required. Whether you're on Windows, Mac, or prefer online tools, we’ve got you covered with safe, efficient methods to regain full control of your files.

Struggling with a locked PDF? Here are three reliable methods you can use to unlock it—whether it's password-protected or restricted from editing and copying.

1 Method 1. Using Online Tools

PDFacademy makes unlocking PDFs quick and hassle-free, especially for desktop users. Whether your file is secured with an open password or restricted with a permission password, PDFacademy provides a straightforward way to remove these limitations and regain full control over your document—no technical skills required. Follow these simple steps after opening your PDF with the correct password:

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PDFacademy is an all-in-one PDF tool to read, edit, convert, and secure documents quickly and easily.

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Step 1: Launch PDFacademy and open your PDF file

Start PDFacademy on your computer. Then open the PDF file you want to unlock. If the file has an open password, enter it to access the content.

Step 2: Click "Protect" > "Remove Password"

Once the PDF is open, go to the top menu, click on the "Protect" tab, and choose "Remove Password". If the file has a permission password, you’ll be prompted to enter it.

Step 3: Save the PDF

After the password is successfully removed, save the PDF. The file is now unlocked and no longer protected by any password.

Pros

• Supports Both Open and Permission Passwords
• All-in-One PDF Tool
• Powerful Desktop Functionality

Cons

• May Require Installation
• Desktop-Only (No Mobile App)

2 Method 2. Using Online Tools

Online tools are a popular choice for unlocking PDFs due to their convenience and ease of use. By using this method, you can unlock the PDF file with the password and then transfer it as an editable PDF. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to unlock a PDF using an online service.

Popular Online PDF Unlock PDF Tool:

Step-by-Step Guide:

Pros

• Convenient and user-friendly
• No software installation required
• Works on any device with internet access

Cons

• Security concerns with uploading sensitive documents
• File size limitations
• Dependency on internet connection

3 Method 3. Using Command Line Tools

For tech-savvy users, command line tools offer a powerful way to unlock PDFs.

What Are Command Line Tools?

Step-by-Step Guide to Using qpdf:

1.Installing qpdf: Install qpdf using your system’s package manager. For example, on Ubuntu, you can use the command sudo apt-get install qpdf.

2.Command to Unlock the PDF: Use the following command: qpdf --decrypt locked.pdf unlocked.pdf

Replace locked.pdf with the name of your locked file and unlocked.pdf with the name you want for the unlocked file.

How to Use Other Command Line Tools?

Pros

• Highly efficient and fast processing
• Ideal for batch unlocking and automation

Cons

• Requires familiarity with command line interface
• Can be intimidating for non-technical users
• Primarily limited to basic unlocking functions without a graphical interface

Unlocking a PDF can seem straightforward, but there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and secure process:

1 Understanding Password Types and Access Rights

PDFs can be protected by two main types of passwords: open passwords, which restrict file opening, and permission passwords, which limit editing or printing. Knowing the type of protection helps determine the right unlocking method. Always ensure you have the legal right to unlock and access the document to avoid violating copyright or privacy laws.

2 Password Availability and Software Limitations

Most unlocking tools require you to know and enter the correct password before removal. Without it, unlocking can be difficult or impossible. Additionally, some tools may have limitations in terms of features, operating system compatibility, or handling complex encryption, so choose your software wisely based on your needs and technical comfort.

3 Security, Privacy, and Backup

Uploading sensitive PDFs to online unlocking services can pose privacy risks, as your files are processed on external servers. For confidential documents, desktop software that works offline is safer. Regardless of the method, always back up your original PDF before unlocking to prevent any data loss or corruption during the process.

4 File Size and Format Considerations

Many online tools enforce file size limits, which might restrict unlocking large documents. Furthermore, some unlocking processes can slightly alter the PDF’s formatting or metadata. After unlocking, review the output file carefully to ensure the content and layout remain intact.

Unlocking a PDF, whether for viewing or editing, is a task that many face. With the methods discussed—online tools, dedicated PDF software, and command line tools—you have several options to regain access to your documents. Always remember to use these methods responsibly and legally, respecting the intentions of the document's creator and any legal restrictions. If in doubt, seek professional assistance or contact the document creator.

Heather Marston

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