PDF files are an excellent way to share documents with others. However, if these files have a password, it can be frustrating when you forget it. This issue can become more complicated if the password owner is not available to provide the password. If you are in such a predicament, there is no need to worry. We have researched and discovered four methods which can help you when you need to remove a password from PDF files. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and we will explain them in detail.
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The Challenge of Removing Password from PDF Files
Most PDF files come with a password, which is an excellent security feature if the documents contain sensitive information. The problem arises when the person who created the password is not available to provide the password or misplaced it. In this situation, having the need to modify or edit the document becomes a challenge.
Four Methods to Remove Password from PDF Foxit Reader
We have researched and provide you with four practical methods to remove password from PDF Foxit Reader, which are listed below.
Method 1: Using Google Chrome
Before we start, it is important to note that Chrome is the only browser with this feature. Here is an easy, straightforward way that you can follow to remove a password from PDF files:
Steps:
1. Open Chrome and drag the locked PDF file into the browser.
2. Google will prompt you to enter the password.
3. Once you have entered the password, the PDF will open.
4. Next, click on the Print option (or Ctrl-P) and select ‘Save as PDF’ as the printer option.
5. A new prompt will appear, asking where you would like to save the new PDF file. Pick a destination folder and give the document a new name if you wish.
6. Finally, press Save.
Pros:
1. The process is free.
2. It is straightforward to use, and no additional software is required.
3. You can remove the password on a Mac, Windows, or Linux operating system.
Cons:
1. This method may not work with some documents.
2. If you are handling sensitive information, there is a risk that unauthorized people may view them while the document is open.
Method 2: Using Foxit Reader
This method works well with Foxit Reader version 6.1 and higher.
Steps:
1. Firstly, open the password-protected PDF file in Foxit Reader.
2. Enter the password on the prompt screen and press OK.
3. Click on the ‘Protect’ tab and select ‘Password’ from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on ‘Encrypt with Password.’
5. A new window will appear, and you should select the option ‘Permissions Password.’
6. Finally, click Remove Security.
Pros:
1. Foxit Reader is an excellent PDF reader and editor, and this process does not require additional software.
2. The process is straightforward to use.
Cons:
1. You need to know the password to access the document in the first place.
2. This method only works with Foxit Reader version 6.1 and higher.
Method 3: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool when it comes to editing PDF files. However, it comes with a high price tag.
Steps:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro and select the file you wish to remove the password.
2. Enter the password on the prompt screen.
3. Next, click on ‘File’ > ‘Properties.’
4. Click on the ‘Security’ tab.
5. Select ‘No Security.’
6. Finally, save the document.
Pros:
1. Adobe Acrobat Pro is a powerful tool for PDF file management.
2. The process is easy to follow.
Cons:
1. Adobe Acrobat Pro comes with a high price tag.
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro is not necessary for smaller file edits.
3. It is not ideal for infrequent use.
Method 4: Using Small PDF
Small PDF is an online web-based PDF tool. It provides several options to remove a password from PDF files.
Steps:
1. Visit Small PDF website (https://smallpdf.com/unlock-pdf).
2. Drag and drop the password-protected PDF file onto the upload box.
3. Small PDF will prompt you to enter the password.
4. After entered the password, click on the ‘Unlock PDF’ button.
5. Wait for the new unlocked PDF to be generated.
6. Finally, download and save the unlocked PDF.
Pros:
1. The process is free.
2. You do not need to install additional software.
Cons:
1. Online data security is always a concern.
2. Slow upload/download speeds may impact its usability.
Why Failed to Remove Password from PDF Files?
There are several reasons why removing a password from PDF files may fail. Below we will discuss some common reasons and fixes.
1. Wrong Password: The entered password could be incorrect. Therefore it is important to double-check with the password owner.
Fix: Ask the password owner to provide the correct password.
2. Edit Restrictions: The file owner may have set restrictions to prevent editing, printing or copying.
Fix: You can try removing the edit restrictions by following the methods described above.
3. Adobe Acrobat Version: Adobe Acrobat Pro may not have the ‘Remove Security’ option in some older versions.
Fix: Upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Pro.
FAQs
Q1. Can I remove the password from PDF files on my phone?
A1: Yes. You can use Google Chrome mobile browser or download a PDF reader app that can remove passwords from PDF files.
Q2. Can I remove the password from PDF files on MAC?
A2: Yes, you can use Google Chrome, Preview, or any other PDF reader.
Q3. Can I remove the password from PDF files in bulk using these methods?
A3: No. You will have to follow the process for each file separately.
Q4. Can I remove both the password and edit restrictions at the same time?
A4: Yes. You have to follow the methods described above, which allows you to remove both passwords and edit restrictions at the same time.
Q5. How secure are these methods?
A5: These methods are safe to use, but if you’re handling sensitive data, we recommend removing the password on a private computer.
Q6. How do I reapply the password after editing the document?
A6: Use the same method that you used to remove the password but set a new password in the process.
Conclusion
Removing passwords from PDF files is simple if you know the correct methods. As we have outlined above, Google Chrome, Foxit Reader, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and Small PDF provide useful PDF tools to remove passwords from PDF files. Each method has its pros and cons, and it is essential to consider these before selecting a method. By following this guide, you will be able to remove passwords from PDF files with ease.