PDF (Portable Document Format) has become one of the most widely used file formats for sharing documents across different platforms. With its ability to maintain the original formatting and fonts, it has become the preferred choice for many users. However, with the increasing importance of online security, many users choose to password protect their PDF documents to prevent unauthorized access. But what happens if you forget the password or no longer need it? This article will guide you through the steps on how to remove password from PDF without any hassle.
History of PDF
PDF was created in the early 1990s by Adobe Systems as a solution to share electronic documents independently of the software, hardware, or operating system used. It quickly gained popularity due to its ability to retain formatting and fonts, making it a reliable choice for sharing documents.
Importance of Removing Password from PDF
While password-protecting PDF documents may seem like a secure option, it can often become a nuisance if the password is forgotten or no longer needed. It can also be a hindrance if you have received a password-protected PDF from someone else and need to access it urgently. Removing the password from PDF can also make it easier to work with the document, as you won’t have to enter the password each time you open it.
Celebrating PDF
PDF has revolutionized the way documents are shared and has made the work of many individuals and organizations more efficient. In celebration of PDF, Adobe has declared July 1st as “International PDF Day.” This day aims to create awareness about the importance and significance of the PDF format. It also showcases how PDF is continuously evolving and making our lives easier.
Removing Password from PDF
There are various methods to remove the password from PDF, and we have outlined the three most effective ones below:
1. Using Google Chrome
If you have a password-protected PDF file saved on your Google Drive, you can easily remove the password by opening it in Google Chrome. Follow the steps below:
- Open Google Chrome and go to your Google Drive.
- Right-click on the password-protected PDF file and select “Open with” followed by “Google Chrome.”
- Enter the password to open the document.
- Once the document is open, click on the Print icon or press “Ctrl + P” for Windows and “Cmd + P” for Mac.
- In the Print menu, change the destination to “Save as PDF” and click on “Save.”
- You will be prompted to choose the location to save the new PDF file without the password. Select the desired location and click on “Save.”
- The new PDF will now be saved without the password, and you can access it anytime without having to enter the password.
2. Using Online Tools
If you don’t have access to Google Drive or if the above method doesn’t work for you, there are various online tools available that allow you to remove passwords from PDF files. Some popular options include Smallpdf, PDF-Candy, and PDF Unlock. Follow the steps below to use any of these tools:
- Go to the website of the tool you want to use.
- Upload the password-protected PDF file by clicking on the “Choose File” button or simply dragging and dropping the file into the designated area.
- Follow the instructions provided on the website to remove the password from the PDF file.
- Once the process is complete, you will be able to download the new PDF file without a password.
3. Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
If you have Adobe Acrobat Pro installed on your computer, you can easily remove password from PDF using the following steps:
- Open the password-protected PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Enter the password to open the document.
- Click on “File” and select “Properties.”
- In the Properties menu, click on the “Security” tab.
- Click on “Change Settings” next to the “Security Method” option.
- Select “No Security” from the dropdown menu and click on “OK.”
- Save the file by clicking on “File” and then selecting “Save.”
- The new PDF file will now be saved without a password.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it legal to remove password from a PDF?
A: Yes, it is legal to remove the password from a PDF file as long as you have the permission or authority to do so.
Q: Is it possible to remove a password from a PDF if I don’t know the password?
A: No, it is not possible to remove the password from a PDF file if you don’t know the password. You will need to use a password cracker software to guess or retrieve the password.
Q: Can I remove the password from a PDF on my mobile device?
A: Yes, there are various mobile applications available that can help you remove the password from a PDF file. Some popular options include “PDF Utils” for Android and “PDF Expert” for iOS.
In conclusion
In today’s digital age, PDF has become an essential format for sharing documents. While password-protecting PDF files may provide a sense of security, it can also be inconvenient if the password is lost or no longer needed. Hence, knowing how to remove password from PDF can be useful and save time and effort. With the above methods, you can easily remove the password from a PDF file and access it without any hassle.
