If you’ve received a PDF that’s password-protected, you may need to create an unlocked version so you can upload it or continue your workflow. This guide will walk you through how to open the file and generate a new, unlocked version using tools available on your computer.
Important: You’ll need to enter the PDF’s password at least once to open it. If you did not receive a password, please reach out to the sender and ask them to provide it.
1. Open the Password-Protected PDF
When you open the PDF in your browser or PDF viewer, you'll be prompted to enter the password.
Once you enter it successfully, the document will open and you’ll be able to proceed.
Common viewers that work:
Chrome or Microsoft Edge
Adobe Acrobat
macOS Preview
2. Create an Unlocked Copy Using “Print → Save as PDF”
After you’ve opened the PDF with the password, you can create a new version that is no longer password-protected.
Windows or macOS
Open the PDF and enter the password when prompted.
Go to File → Print (or press Ctrl + P on Windows / Cmd + P on Mac).
In the printer options:
Select Save as PDF (macOS), or
Select Microsoft Print to PDF / Save as PDF (Windows).
Save the file to your computer.
This generates a brand-new PDF without any password protection.
3. If the PDF Still Won’t Print
Some PDFs may be locked with “no-print” permissions, even after entering the password. In this case:
Try opening the file in a different viewer (Chrome and Edge often allow printing if the password was accepted).
If printing is still blocked, contact the original sender and ask them to remove the “no-print” restriction or send a fully unlocked version.