How to Remove Password Protection from PDF on Mac OS?

Do you have a PDF file with restrictions and want to remove the password entirely on Mac? Whether you set the password yourself or no longer need it, and want to get access to the file without entering the credentials every time, removing PDF password protection on Mac is the straightforward approach. Let’s find out how to do this with or without any application installation.

This guide includes three different approaches, ranked by ease, including one method that provides security and reliability.

Understand the PDF Passwords

Before we move towards the solution, you must know the type of password security that PDF offers. 

There are 2 types of password security: –

• User-level Password Security– In this, you directly have to enter the password to access it. 
• Owner Level Password Security– In this, you will need permission from the owner of the file to edit, print, or even sign the PDF.

Consequently, the question that arises here is why you want to remove the password from the PDF. So in this blog, we will make sure you find an appropriate and the most suitable solution.

Why do Users Remove Password from PDF on Mac? 

Protecting your PDF file using passwords is a great option, but on the contrary, why do you want to remove that security from the PDF file? Here are some of the most common reasons offered by the users: –

• Users put a password on PDF files, but what if the content in the PDF file is not a secret forever? Thus, you can remove the password from the PDF for easier access. 
• There is some information that has to be protected for only a limited time. For example, the question paper for the students, blueprints of some project, etc., which will later be revealed and known by all. Therefore, users then wish to remove passwords from the PDF.  

Method 1 – Mac Preview 

Best Approach for Removing the password from a single PDF you have access to.

1. Open the password-protected PDF in Preview by double-clicking.
2. Enter the password to unlock the file.
3. Now, Go to File > Export as PDF.
4. Rename the File, if required.
5. Then, go to Permissions and enable all or any permissions.
6. Enter the password in the field.
7. Finally, press the Apply Button.

Method 2 – Use Google Chrome

Quick Method for single PDF files if the Mac Preview is not working.

1. Drag and drop the PDF into the Chrome Window, and press Command + O to open it.
2. Enter the password when Chrome asks for it.
3. Press Command + P to open the print dialogue.
4. Set the destination to save the PDF.
5. Click Save.

Now, Chrome prints a new file without any restriction.

How to Remove Password from Multiple PDF Files on Mac?

You can use the PDF Unlocker tool to remove any type of password from the files in batches professionally, or you can go for selective removal. Follow the below-mentioned steps carefully for effortless installation:

1. Start the tool to remove the password from the Multiple PDF files, then follow the next step.
2. Choose the encrypted PDF files or folders using the Add file (s) or Add folder (s) button. 
   
3. Now select the PDF file and enter the password in the required field, or skip it. Then press the Next button. 
4. Select Remove Password or Remove Other Restrictions. And hit the Unlock button. 
5. As a result, you will be notified with a few process completion messages. The tool has created PDF files without password protection.

Benefits of Using Remove Password from PDF 

This tool comes with a user-friendly interface, enabling users with non-technical backgrounds to have easier and smoother access to the tool without any technical assistance. Here we list down several distinguishing benefits of using the tool:-

• Easy Removal of password: You can remove both types of password security, i.e., Owner level and user-level password security, easily without any hassle, thus enabling you to edit, comment, sign and print the PDF file without a password. 
• Efficient Lock of PDF files: You can not only remove passwords from PDFs but also add a password to PDF files, thus securing and keeping them away from any unauthorised user. 
• Batch & Selective Lock and Unlock: You can add dozens of PDF files or folders to lock them using password security or remove passwords from PDFs. 

Here we will provide a reliable and Robust tool to remove password protection from PDFs on your Mac System. 

FAQs

Q) Can I remove a PDF password without knowing it?

A) In most of the cases, you cannot remove the PDF password without knowing it. Password protection is designed to prevent unauthorised access; therefore, bypassing it without the right password isn’t typically possible. The best and most reliable approach is to obtain the correct password from the owner or the source.

Q) Is it possible to print the secured PDF file after removing the password?

Yes, to print an encrypted PDF file, you must unlock the PDF file. For more information, read: How to Print Secured PDF Document on Mac OS?

Q) Do I need to have Adobe Reader before starting the tool?

No, the PDF Unlock Tool works independently without the assistance of an external application.

Q) How many protected PDF files can be added to the tool?

There is no limitation on PDF files or file size. Remove passwords from multiple PDF files on Mac OS.

Q) Will removing the password affect my file’s content or quality?

A) No, Use Preview’s Export or Chrome’s print to PDF method preserves all the text, images and formatting. The tool preserves the originality of the file and can even process multiple files at once.

Conclusion

The users can remove the password from a PDF file on Mac easily using the methods mentioned in the article. The software doesn’t need the installation of the Adobe Acrobat application; it works independently. While it supports different versions of Adobe Acrobat, if you have your PDF files stored in Adobe. This tool offers you the exotic feature of printing the resultant PDF files directly without saving them in your local storage, thus saving space.