How do I remove a password from a PDF?

Upload the PDF, enter its password and click Unlock PDF. You download a copy that opens without a password.

Can I unlock a PDF without knowing the password?

No. You need the password to open it, and we don't crack or guess passwords. The exception is a PDF that already opens freely but has printing, copying or editing restrictions, which can be removed without one.

Is my password or PDF uploaded?

No. Both stay in your browser. The unlocking runs on your device.

Will unlocking change my document?

Only the protection is removed. The text, fonts, images and layout stay as they were, and your original file isn't modified.

Which kinds of PDF protection are supported?

40-bit and 128-bit RC4, and 128-bit and 256-bit AES — the encryption used by common PDF tools.

What if my PDF isn't password-protected?

We'll let you know there's nothing to unlock, so you don't process the file for no reason.

Unlock PDF

Remove a PDF's password

Drop your file here

or pick it from your device

Files stay on your device — nothing is uploaded. Password-protected PDF up to 25 MB.

About Unlock PDF

HogPDF opens a password-protected PDF with the password you enter and saves a copy with the protection removed — all in your browser. Your file and password are never uploaded.

How to remove a password from a PDF

1
Upload your PDF
Drop the protected PDF (up to 25 MB) onto the page or choose it from your device.
2
Enter the password
Type the password you use to open the PDF. If the file only restricts printing, copying or editing and opens without one, you can leave it blank.
3
Unlock the PDF
Click Unlock PDF. We rewrite the file without its encryption.
4
Download the unlocked copy
It's saved as yourfile-unlocked.pdf, and your original is left untouched.

What you can do

Remove the password

The unlocked copy opens without asking for a password.

Content kept intact

Text, fonts, images and forms are left exactly as they were — only the protection is removed.

Common encryption types

Handles 40-bit and 128-bit RC4 as well as 128-bit and 256-bit AES.

Clear usage restrictions

Also removes printing, copying and editing restrictions from PDFs that open without a password.

Private by design

Your PDF and password stay in your browser tab. Neither is uploaded.

Nothing to install

Open the page, drop in a file and go. There's nothing to download, and you don't need an account.

Good to know

You need the password. HogPDF can't recover, guess or crack a forgotten password.
Only unlock documents you're entitled to open and change.
If a PDF isn't protected, we'll tell you there's nothing to unlock.
Digital signatures on the original may not stay valid, because the file is rewritten.
Files up to 25 MB are supported.

Unlock PDF FAQ

How do I remove a password from a PDF?: Upload the PDF, enter its password and click Unlock PDF. You download a copy that opens without a password.
Can I unlock a PDF without knowing the password?: No. You need the password to open it, and we don't crack or guess passwords. The exception is a PDF that already opens freely but has printing, copying or editing restrictions, which can be removed without one.
Is my password or PDF uploaded?: No. Both stay in your browser. The unlocking runs on your device.
Will unlocking change my document?: Only the protection is removed. The text, fonts, images and layout stay as they were, and your original file isn't modified.
Which kinds of PDF protection are supported?: 40-bit and 128-bit RC4, and 128-bit and 256-bit AES — the encryption used by common PDF tools.
What if my PDF isn't password-protected?: We'll let you know there's nothing to unlock, so you don't process the file for no reason.