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5 Ways to Remove Password From PDF File on Mac or Windows

A password-protected PDF file ensures that its data stays confidential and accessible only by a trusted individual. However, this can also be inconvenient, especially if you have to share it with others or are required to format or edit the PDF. So, if you are a Mac user working with PDFs and looking for a quick and easy solution for this issue, then stay tuned as we discuss different ways to remove the password from PDF files on Mac.

Unlocking a Password Locked PDF File in Mac

How to Remove Passwords From PDF Files on Mac?

There are various tools available online that offer a remedy for this problem. However, for this article, we are also going to take a look at some system tools as well as utilize tricks within your web browser. Do go through each method, as they are free to use. So, without any further delay, let’s check out these methods.

Method 1 – Unlock PDFs With the macOS Preview Tool

The Preview is a built-in application within macOS that lets you view files of several formats, including PDFs. The tool’s name can be a little deceiving as it can perform some advanced tasks besides just showing a preview of the PDF. This includes removing passwords from a protected PDF file. Just follow these steps.

1. Right-click on the password-protected PDF file.


2. From the context menu, click on Open With and choose Preview.

Open Locked PDF in macOS Preview Tool

3. In the Preview window, enter the password for the file to unlock it.

Enter Password to Unlock PDF

4. Now, click the File option on the status bar above.

5. Select the Export… option.

Go to Export Option in the File Menu

6. Click on the box next to Export As and rename the document.

Rename the PDF File

7. Then, click on Format and select PDF.

Select File Format as PDF

8. Next, click on Permissions…

Open Permission Settings for PDF

9. Under Owner Password, enter the PDF password and click Apply.

10. Lastly, click on Save to export the PDF.

Click on Save to Export PDF Without Password

This is how you can easily remove passwords from any PDF on your Mac.

Method 2 – Remove PDF Password Using Google Chrome

If you use Google Chrome as the default browser on your Mac, then you would be happy to learn that you can also use it to remove password security from PDF files. This is possible thanks to the PDF reader available within the browser itself. All you have to do is follow the steps mentioned below.

1. To remove the PDF password with Chrome, right-click on the document.

2. Choose Open With, followed by Google Chrome.

Open Password Protected PDF with Google Chrome

This will open the PDF in the Chrome browser.

3. Enter the password to open the contents of the file.

Enter Password for the PDF

4. Now click on the printer icon on the right side of the top bar.

Open the Print Menu

5. In the Destination option, select Save as PDF.

Choose Save as PDF from the Destination Menu

6. Then click on Save.

This will create another copy of the PDF file without any password protection.

Method 3 – Upload PDF to Google Docs to Remove Password

You can also upload the locked PDF document to your Google Drive to remove its password. All you have to do is upload the document to PDF and then open it in Google Docs to turn it into an unlocked file. It is quite straightforward if you use the provided step-by-step instructions.

1. Visit Google Drive and here, click on New.

2. From the drop-down menu, select File Upload.

Select Upload File Option in Google Drive

3. Choose the password-locked PDF file and click on Open.

Selecting and Uploading Password Protected PDF

Doing so will upload the file to your Google Drive.

4. Double-click on the PDF to open it.

Open the Uploaded PDF Document

5. You must enter its password to see its contents.

Now, you can print it directly as a PDF using the steps from the above method. However, if you want to make any adjustments beforehand, continue with the steps.

6. Click on the Open With drop-down menu.

7. Select Google Docs.

Select Google Docs from the Open With Menu at the Top

8. Now, make the required adjustments in Google Docs and click on File.

9. Click on Download and choose PDF Document (.pdf).

Download File as PDF from Google Docs

The file will be downloaded to your Mac; you can now view it without entering a password.

Method 4 – Use the Unlock PDF Online Tool

Besides the above-discussed methods, you can also use a password removal tool to get rid of the password security in no time. A great option for such a tool is iLovePDF’s Unlock tool. It works like a charm and is free to use. Let us take a look at how it works.

1. Head over to the Unlock PDF tool in your web browser.

2. Click on the Select PDF file button.

3. Select the locked PDF file and click on Open.

Upload PDF File to Unlock PDF Tool

4. Next, click on Unlock PDF as shown below.

5. You will be required to enter the PDF password once.

Enter the Password for the PDF File

In just a few minutes, your PDF will be ready for download.

6. Once your PDF is unlocked, click on Download unlocked PDFs to save the file to your device.

Download the Unlocked PDF

Method 5 – Try Smallpdf’s Unlock PDF Tool

Another online solution you can try is Smallpdf’s Unlock tool. It is effortless to use and available for free. You also get an option to upload your documents directly from Google Drive, Dropbox, or locally. This is how it works.

1. Browse to Smallpdf’s Unlock PDF tool with your browser.

2. Here, click Choose File and select the file you want to remove the password from.

Upload Locked PDF to Smallpdf Tool

3. Tick the box to accept that you have the authority to open and edit the PDF.

4. Then click on Unlock PDF!

Click on Unlock PDF! to Remove Password from the File

5. Enter the password for the uploaded file and click on Really Unlock.

6. You will be shown a preview of the document, then click on Download.

Download the Unlocked PDF File

The best part about this tool is that you can export PDFs to other formats.

Bonus: Download Adobe Acrobat to Unlock PDFs

Adobe Acrobat is a powerful tool that lets you manipulate PDFs and other documents in various ways. It is among the oldest applications that allow you to remove passwords from documents and apply one.

It is a must-have for those who often work with documents frequently. Though the only downside is that it is paid, you can take advantage of its 7-day trial period. Here is how you can use Adobe Acrobat to unlock PDF files.

1. Browse and open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.

2. Enter the password for the file to preview it.

3. Click the lock icon in the sidebar menu to unlock it.

4. Navigate to Permission Details.

5. Next, click on Security Method and choose No Security.

6. Now click on OK.

7. At last, click on Save as PDF.

Wrapping Up

These are a few ways to help you remove the security password from your PDF files on a Mac. It is evident from the provided methods above that you will be required to have the password for the file to unlock them initially. Moreover, ensure you only share the unlocked document with those you trust. Stay tuned on GadgetsToUse for more such articles, reviews, and How-To’s.

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Anshuman Jain

Anshuman Jain

Hi! I am Anshuman and I write about consumer technology for Gadgets To Use and Browsers To use. I follow new trending and new developments in tech. I frequently write about these topics and cover them.View Author posts