How to Edit a Password Protected PDF without Password – Learn the Free Ways

  author
Written By Mohit Jha
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Published On February 6th, 2024
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Summary: Although editing a secured PDF can be a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we’ll show you how to edit a password-protected PDF with and without knowing the password. Whether this is about making important changes or just extracting some information, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents:

It is quite a common practice to protect confidential data using password. However, there are situations where editing these secured PDF becomes crucial. It might involve correcting errors, updating information, or extracting valuable content. We’ll guide you through the process of editing these locked files effectively.

Differentiating PDF Passwords & How It Works?

PDF password comes in two main types: open passwords and permission passwords.

We’ll show you how to work with both types in this guide.

Part 1 – How to Edit Password Protected PDF with Password

When we talk about editing PDF with password, we are actually talking about the open password or user password. So, keep that in mind while opting for these solutions.

Method: 1 Use Adobe to Edit a Locked PDF:

If you have an open password for the PDF, Adobe Acrobat offers a user-friendly way to edit the document. We’ll walk you through the steps to make the necessary changes.

  • Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
  • Enter the open password.
  • Click on the editing tools to make changes.
  • Save your edited PDF.

Method 2: Use Professional Tool to Edit Password Protected PDF:

SysTools PDF Unlocker is a robust solution for editing password-protected PDF files. Even if you don’t have a password, this tool can help you gain access and make PDF edits securely.

We’ll guide you on how to use this software effectively.

Step 1. Launch the software and add the password-protected PDF.

add pdf file

Step 2. Enter the user password next to the file name.

add password

Step 3. Choose the location to save the unlocked file.

choose the location to save file

Step 4. Click the Unlock button to edit a locked PDF.

edit password protected pdf

Step 5. Open the new PDF in any PDF editor like Adobe.

Step 6. Edit the unlocked PDF as needed.

Step 7. Save the edited PDF.

Part 2 – How to Edit Password Protected PDF without Password

When we talk about editing PDF without password, we are actually talking about the permission password. So, keep that in mind while opting for these solutions.

Method 1: Use Adobe to Edit a Secured PDF:

In some cases, it’s possible to edit a secured PDF even if you don’t know the password. We’ll show you how to utilize Adobe Acrobat to make these changes with the available permissions.

  • Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
  • If it allows editing without a password, proceed with your changes.
  • Save the edited PDF.

Method 2: Use Professional Tool to Edit Secured PDF Without Password:

When you need to edit a locked PDF without knowing the password, the above tool comes to the rescue. We’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you efficiently remove PDF restrictions and edit the PDF.

Step 1. Download and launch the above software and add the secured PDF.

add multiple pdf file

Step 2. Choose the location to save the unsecured file.

choose a destination location

Step 3. Click the Unlock button.

click on unlock

Step 4. Edit this unlocked PDF in any editor including Adobe.

Step 5. Save the edited PDF.

Method 3: Use Online Tool to Edit Locked PDF:

Online tools can be handy when you’re in a pinch. We’ll introduce you to an online platform that offers way to remove edit restriction from PDF file.

  • Visit the iLovePDF website.
  • Upload your PDF file.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to edit your PDF.
  • Download the edited PDF.

Final Thoughts:

Editing password-protected PDF might seem complex, but with the right tools and methods, it becomes a straightforward task. Whether you know the password or not, you have options to make the necessary changes without compromising document security.

FAQs

Q1. Can I edit a secured PDF file without knowing the password?

Yes, it’s possible if the permissions allow editing, copying, or printing without a password.

Q2. What is the safest way to edit password-protected PDF?

Using a professional tool is often the safest and most efficient method for editing secured PDF documents.

Q3. Can I edit a PDF with a permission password that restricts editing?

You’ll need the permission password to edit a PDF with such restrictions. If you don’t have it, contact the owner for assistance.

  author

By Mohit Jha

Mohit is a Microsoft Certified Expert who wears multiple hats as a writer, researcher, and editor. He's really into cyber security, cloud computing, and digital forensics. These topics get him excited and push him to go beyond just his job. His big goal is to create super well-researched and carefully written articles that help readers learn important technicalities.