Hi, I would like to know how to remove a protected password, I do not remember the password, or know if I set it up. I would like to edit my pdf files.

Hi @Cumquot,

Thank you for reaching out. We understand how frustrating it is when password protection blocks your access to files you need to edit.

The solution depends on which type of password is protecting your PDFs. Here are both scenarios:

If you cannot open the PDF at all (document open password)
Unfortunately, if you've forgotten the password required to open the PDF, there is no way to recover it in Acrobat. You will need to recreate the PDF. If the original document exists (the source file it was created from), start with that instead and save as a PDF without password protection. If you no longer have the original, contact whoever created or shared the file with you, as they may be able to provide an unprotected version.

If the PDF opens fine, but you cannot edit, print, or copy content (permissions password)
We have a workaround for this. You can make the PDF editable by printing it to a new PDF file:

1. Open the PDF in Acrobat.

2. From the top toolbar, select the Printer icon.

3. In the Print dialog box, select Adobe PDF as the printer and select Print.

4. Type a name for your file and select Save.

This creates a new PDF that you can now edit. Please note that this method removes interactive elements from the file, such as bookmarks, hyperlinks, and buttons, so review your PDF after conversion to confirm it still contains what you need.

If neither of these scenarios matches your situation, please let us know what you're seeing, and we'll help you further.

Thanks,
^BS