Amongst the various file formats used for saving text and image data, PDF file is a distinct format that can be noticed everywhere. From online result of an exam to advertisement of a brand to legal documents of corporate world, PDF file is definitely an important part of broad network. Ever wondered WHY?
If we just notice the examples mentioned above exemplifying usage of PDF file, one thing that holds importance in all the cases is security and assurance that nobody can do changes in the file.
- Exam results are announced online. What if anybody could change it?
- What if documents with business negotiation can be modified?
- If an intellect shared online is copied or printed for illegal benefit?
In order to prevent this kind of trouble, PDF files are protected in a special way. Local protection in PDF files through OWNER Password is one of the efficient ways that is adopted nowadays so that no one can edit, print, or copy data saved in document. This kind of distinct security system by Adobe has made PDF a popular and widely used format for data storage.
- Nost Read:fb trick
In case these restrictions are to be removed and PDF has to be locked, it can be done using Adobe Acrobat but the password set for restricting PDF should be available. However, there are some genuine circumstances where a user needs to unlock PDF file but password is not available and so does Adobe Acrobat. For example: An eBook for Company’s product was developed and published online. Now, some changes have to be done in it but the password is unknown. In such situations unlocking PDF file is the requirement but the question is HOW?
- Ways to Unlock PDF File Restrictions?
To remove local limitations from PDF file, i.e. print, copy, or edit the document, there are some online tools that can be used. Here is a brief introduction to all of them along with reasons “Why?” and “Why Not?” to use them.
#1: PDF Unlock Service
Visit: http://www.pdfunlock.com/
It is an online service that gives free facility to unlock owner password protected PDF file. Before utilizing it, it is necessary that PDF file is readable, i.e. it should not be protected with User password.
| What is User Password?Also known as “Open Document” password, it is similar to normal password protection applied to files. It will restrict users to open PDF file and read its contents. |
This service gives facility to browse PDF file from three different sources:
- Dropbox
- Computer System
- Google Drive
Once PDF file is selected, click on “Unlock” button. A PDF file free from restrictions will be downloaded to your system.
An Exception: In case the selected PDF file is protected with password, a message will prompt on screen after your click “Unlock” button. In this case, you have to provide the user password in the text box so that PDF file can be read for unlocking process.
An Interesting Fact: If your PDF file has some confidential information, then you can click on “Secure Connection” link in the page. This will switch the service page to HTTPS mode which means that information you enter will be protected by Secure Socket Layer.
Pros:
- Removes edit, copy, and print restriction from PDF.
- No damage to image, text, or formatting of document.
Cons:
- At a time, you can add only one file for unlocking.
- There is limitation to size of PDF that can be added.
#2: Online PDF-Converter
Visit: http://online2pdf.com/
This again is an online service and has multiple options to experiment with PDF file. It allows unlocking PDF and removes local limitations from it. Moreover, PDF file can be converted into multiple file formats like Docx, PPTX, JPG, XPS etc. You can select multiple PDF files for unlocking. Here is how you need to proceed:
Click on “Browse” button to add PDF file for unlocking.
For removing restrictions, it is important that PDF file is readable, i.e. if it is protected by user password, it should be unlocked. Click on the icon highlighted in image and provide user-password set for PDF file.
In the text box, provide the open document password set for the selected PDF file.
Under the “Convert to” section, select “PDF (file format is retained)” option if you want unlocked data to be available in PDF file format only. Click on “Convert” button to start unlocking process.
Status report of unlocking process will be shown on screen.
Once unlocking is finished, the PDF file free from restrictions will be automatically downloaded. If it doesn’t, click on “Manual Download” link.
Pros:
- Multiple PDF files can be in one go for unlocking.
- Structure of PDF and its contents remain absolutely intact.
Cons:
- A PDF file of 50MB size can be added at one.
- Multiple PDF files should not exceed overall size of 100MB.
- There is option to ensure that file uploaded will be safe.
#3: PDF Unlocker Software
Visit: http://www.systoolsgroup.com/pdf-unlocker.html
This is a third party application meant for unlocking owner password protected PDF files. The software removes permissions from PDF file: edit, copy, print, and extract. Before unlocking, you can have a view over permissions that are set over selected PDF file.
Download and install this software on any Windows OS machine. Click on “Unlock” button in the menu bar.
To add PDF file for unlocking, click on “Browse” button. Navigate to system volume where PDF for unlocking have been saved. You can also check out the limitations that are set for the PDF file.
Click on “Browse” button on lower-right of screen to define a destination location where output PDF file has to be saved. After this, cluck on “Unlock PDF” button for further processing.
If the PDF file has user-password set to it, then software will prompt for it. Enter the open document password.
Pros:
- There is no limitation to size of PDF file to be unlocked.
- Data in PDF file remains absolutely safe at your end.
Cons:
- The tool is available with a little investment.
Conclusion:
Tools and services mentioned above can be utilized for unlocking PDF files that are restricted for editing, copying, and printing. With all the options, the user-password should be known if it is set for the file otherwise the reading document wouldn’t be possible and so does owner password removal. After the files are unlocked, they will be free from both owner and user password.
About the Author: Steven Currently works as a Technical Expert with a reputed organization and possesses a tremendous amount of IT industry experience. Apart from work, blogging, community and forum participation have been his keen hobby. PDFWARE exists as one of his prestigious contribution for the users facing hassles while dealing with PDF file related Issues.
