Learn How to Remove a Password from a PDF on Mac

Removing a password from a PDF file on your Mac can be a straightforward process, especially if you know the password. However, if you've forgotten the password or need to bypass certain restrictions, there are several methods you can use.

Using Preview to Remove PDF Passwords

Preview is a built-in application on Macs that can handle many PDF tasks, including removing passwords. Here’s how to do it:

Open the PDF in Preview: Double-click the PDF file to open it in Preview.
Enter the Password: Type in the password to unlock the document.
Export the PDF: Go to File > Export and ensure the Format field is set to PDF.
Save the File: Choose a name and location for the file and click Save. This will save the PDF without the password requirement.

Using Adobe Acrobat to Remove PDF Passwords

Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool for managing PDFs, and it can be used to remove passwords. Here’s how:

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat: Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
Enter the Password: Type in the password to unlock the document.
Change Security Settings: On the left sidebar, click Protect a PDF > Set security properties.
Remove Security: In the Security Method drop-down, choose No Security.
Save the PDF: Click OK and then save the PDF. If the document has multiple levels of security, you may need to enter a permission password.

Using Web Browsers to Remove PDF Passwords

Web browsers like Google Chrome and Safari can also be used to remove PDF passwords by printing the document as a new PDF.

Using Google Chrome

Open the PDF in Chrome: Drag the PDF file into a Chrome window or open it via File > Open.
Enter the Password: Type in the password to unlock the document.
Print as PDF: Click the printer icon in the upper right corner, choose Save as PDF, and specify the name and location of the document.
Save the File: Click Save to save the new PDF without the password.

Using Safari

Open the PDF in Safari: Drag the PDF file into a Safari window or open it via File > Open.
Enter the Password: Type in the password to unlock the document.
Print as PDF: Press Command+P, specify any necessary document parameters, and click the PDF button in the lower left corner.
Save the File: Specify the name and location of the document and confirm saving.

Using Third-Party PDF Password Remover Tools

If you don't know the password or need to remove complex permissions, third-party tools can be very helpful.

Cisdem PDF Password Remover: This tool can remove both known and unknown PDF passwords. It supports batch processing and can handle both open and permission passwords. Simply add the PDF file, enter the password if known, and let the tool remove the password.

Online Tools for Removing PDF Passwords

Online tools can also be useful, especially if you prefer not to install software.

iLovePDF: This online tool allows you to upload your PDF file and remove the password. It works well with most owner password-protected PDFs but may struggle with complex user passwords.
- Upload the PDF: Go to the iLovePDF website and select the PDF file.
- Unlock the PDF: Click Unlock PDF to start the process.
- Download the Unlocked PDF: Wait for the process to complete and download the unlocked PDF file.

Using Terminal (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, using Terminal can be an option, though it requires careful execution of commands.

Install Required Tools: You will need to install qpdf and brew to proceed.
Run Commands: Follow the specific commands to remove the password, but be cautious as this method can be error-prone and requires precise execution.

By following these methods, you can effectively remove passwords from PDF files on your Mac, whether you know the password or not. Each method has its own advantages and is suited to different scenarios, ensuring you can access and manage your PDF files as needed.