Know a PDF’s password but tired of typing it, or does the document stop you from printing or copying its text? Remove its protection in one click and get a PDF that opens normally, provided you have the right to access this document.
How it works
- Select the protected PDF.
- Enter its password if it asks for one to open.
- Click “Unlock”.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a PDF if I’ve forgotten its password?
No. Only restrictions (printing, copying) can be removed without a password; an open password is required.
Is this legal?
Yes for your own documents or with their author’s permission. Don’t use this tool on a document you don’t have the right to access.
How do I remove the printing or copying restriction?
Select the PDF and click “Unlock” without entering a password: the printing and copying restrictions are removed.
Is the PDF’s content changed?
No. Only the protection is removed: the text, images and layout stay the same.
Why does PDFRoll say there’s nothing to unlock?
Your PDF has no password and no restrictions. It already opens normally and can be used as is with the other tools.
Can I add a password back afterwards?
Yes, with the “Protect PDF” tool, which encrypts the document with 256-bit AES using the password of your choice.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Everything happens in your browser: your documents never leave your device.
Open password vs. restrictions: two different kinds of protection
A PDF can be protected in two ways. An open password stops anyone from reading the document without knowing it. Restrictions, on the other hand, let the document open but block certain actions, such as printing or copying text.
- Restrictions only: PDFRoll removes them without asking you for anything, just leave the “PDF password” field empty.
- Open password: enter it in “PDF password”. PDFRoll uses it to decrypt the file, then saves a copy that no longer asks for it.
- Unprotected PDF: PDFRoll tells you there is nothing to unlock.
The resulting file has the “_unlocked” suffix and opens with no password and no restrictions.
When should you unlock a PDF?
- A bank statement, pay slip or tax notice you’re archiving and no longer want to unlock every time you open it.
- A document you need to print even though printing is blocked.
- A file you then want to compress, merge or edit: most operations require a PDF without protection.
This tool is meant for documents you have the right to access: your own, or those whose author has given you permission. It is not for bypassing the protection of a document that isn’t yours.
What the tool doesn’t do
PDFRoll does not try to guess an open password. If you’ve forgotten it, you need to ask the person or organization that sent you the file. If the password you enter is wrong, an “Incorrect password.” message appears and you can try again.
Decryption is done by your browser: the document and its password are not sent anywhere.
What’s next?
Once the document is unlocked, you can process it with the other tools, for example “Compress PDF” or “Merge PDF”. To protect it again with a password of your choice, use “Protect PDF”.