How to Remove Edit Protection from PDF File – 3 Different Techniques
A PDF file format is the best way to transfer and publish electronic document information. Password-protected PDF files are very hard to edit because these secured files are designed to protect the content and layout of the document. But, sometimes users require to remove edit protection from PDF documents for the work.
So, here we are going to discuss three best solutions for query “how to edit protected PDF file” in order to make important changes.
Well, before we delve into the method to edit protected PDF file. Let’s have a brief idea of the real-life scenario faced by the users which demand to remove edit security from PDF documents.
Table of Contents:
User Queries on How to Edit Protected PDF Document
“Hi, I have a 50 page PDF file and I need to add some images related to my project work. But due to the restrictions applied to a .pdf file, it does not allow me to edit it. Is there any solution that can help me to remove edit protection from a PDF document? All leads shall be appreciated.!!”
“I am a school teacher and I often find study material online that other teachers make. Usually, there are a few things that I need to add in the worksheets. But most of the sheets tend to be in PDF format and impossible to edit it. So, I retype the whole thing that are not editable but it is a time-consuming task. I would like to know how to edit restricted PDF files? Please help!”
“I am a student and pursuing my Ph.D. in economics. I usually prefer PDFs files related to my subject. Some of them are easily editable and some are not. So, I searched on the internet and found a program that helps me to enable content editing in PDF, but I was unable to save it as a document on my computer. So, anyone knows offline software that can easily remove editing restrictions in PDF and allows to save PDF to my system.”
Offline Methods to Remove Edit Protection from PDF
Here, three methods will be discussed that can unlock editing in PDF in the absence of the internet. Now, users need to go through each method and choose any of them and make changes in PDF files according to it.
Approach 1- Use Adobe Acrobat Pro to Remove Editing Restrictions in PDF
Users can go with the paid application Adobe Acrobat Pro in order to remove edit protection from PDF documents. Users need to follow the below-mentioned steps sequentially;
- Step 1. Launch the Adobe Acrobat Pro application on the system.
- Step 2. After that, an open PDF file with security protection
- Step 3. Now, click on the lock icon present at the left side of the window. Then, click on the Permission Details. You can also select File>>Properties option and then Security tab
- Step 4. Click the Security Method drop-down box and select No Security from the resultant list. Now, enter the password & click OK
- Step 5. Again, click on File >> Save. It will save all the changes that you have made in a PDF file.
- Step 6. At last, you can close the application.
After following these steps a user has to remove edit protection from PDF. Now, the file can be easily edited by the user.
Approach 2- Use Print Option to Save PDF Without Any Restriction (*Condition Applied)
If the file is protected with a password and is having editing security then a user can easily use print option. With the help of this option, a user can create an exact copy of the PDF and that duplicate file does not have the password or restrictions. This can be easily achieved by following the below steps:
- Step 1. If you are using Chrome on Windows, Linux, and on any other platform, then you can perform it with your browser. Just open the PDF document by providing the password.
- Step 2. After that, click on the Print icon present at the upper right corner of the file.
- Step 3. Now, click on the Change button and select Save as PDF option. After that click on Save.
- Step 4. You will be prompted to mention the name and destination location of the new PDF file. Provide the required details and save it.
- Step 5. Finally, the new PDF has the same content as the original PDF, and there will be no password & security on a new file.
Condition Applied: Your PDF should NOT have Print restriction.
Approach 3: Professionally Remove PDF Edit Protection
To remove edit password protection from PDF documents users can try an automated software named as SysTools PDF Security Remover Tool. The program can be easily downloaded by clicking the button given below.
Key Features of the Utility:
- It is a robust and user-friendly software. It has been designed to assist all users in terms of PDF restrictions, permission, and security.
- The software facilitates its users to enable content editing in PDF within a few clicks.
- It helps users to remove edit security from PDF documents without affecting data integrity and content alteration. No single image gets compressed and text does not overlap each other during the process.
- It is a standalone application and does not require Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader to remove edit protection.
- Compatible with Windows OS 10 & below versions to remove edit security from PDF file.
How to Enable Editing in PDF File Using SysTools Utility (Mac & Win)
Steps to Remove Edit Protection From PDF files
Step 1. Download and run the tool on Windows OS or Mac OS.
Step 2. Click on Add Files / Add Folder option to insert PDF files.
Step 3. Choose either Save / Print option as per the requirement.
Step 4. Hit the Change button & select the destination path.
Step 5. Finally, click on the Unlock button & begin the process.
Understanding Temporary & Permanent PDF Edit Protection
Edit protection in PDFs serves a vital role in safeguarding the document’s integrity. It prevents unauthorized modifications which preserves the PDF’s original content and layout. However, there are instances where users may need to remove edit restrictions from PDF files temporarily or permanently.
- Temporary – If the user wants to temporarily disable edit protection on a PDF document, they can use any of the given methods to enable editing on PDF. Then, after editing the document, users can restrict editing in the PDF by re-applying the protection.
- Permanent – For permanent removal of edit protection from a PDF, users can simply apply the above-given methods and be done with it. There is no further process.
Final Words
PDF files are designed to be easily created and look the same on every platform. It allows the users to set the security that no one can edit the content. Due to some situations, it becomes necessary to remove protection from PDF so that important changes can be easily made. Do not be panic! Use the above-stated method and easily remove edit protection from PDF documents to make important changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there any manual solution to delete edit protection from Adobe PDF?
Yes, you can try Adobe Acrobat pro but you must know the permission password for that PDF document.
Q2. How can I edit password-protected PDF documents?
For that first, you need to convert password protected PDF to normal PDF file and once it is done you can edit the file with the help of an editor.
Q3. Does this tool remove PDF edit protection on both Windows & Mac Operating systems?
Yes, this utility is available for both OS i.e. Windows & Mac to remove edit protection from PDF documents.
Q4. Can I remove edit protection from a digitally signed PDF?
For Adobe Acrobat, you will need the digital ID of the digital signature to do this. The other alternative is to use the SysTools program to remove digital signature from PDF along with the edit restrictions.
Q5. What if I encounter issues when removing edit protection?
If you encounter difficulties or errors during the process, it’s advisable to seek technical support or professional assistance to avoid any unintended consequences.