How do I copy a password protected file for which I have the password?

[dowzerw]

I have a secure pdf file and the password to open it. I need to upload an unsecured copy of it. I unlock it then attempt to copy or save to my computer or upload and when I go to the copied, saved or uploaded version, it is locked. How do I copy it so I may use it unsecured?

[pranavj · Accepted solution]

Hi Dowzerw,

Unlocking the PDF would not remove the password from the PDF. You need to remove the password and then save the PDF which can be achieved via Adobe Acrobat.

If you are using Adobe Acrobat, then follow the below mentioned steps:

1. Click File
2. Click Properties
3. Click Security Tab
4. From the drop down select "No Security"
5. Save the PDF

Let me know if you have any other question.

Regards,

~Pranav

[defaultjegqyoceagbk]

This is actually not accurate.  It doesn't let you do this when the .pdf is already signed.

[Test Screen Name]

Sure, signing is final, you can't go back. But why do you tell us this 7 years after the discussion finished?

[defaultjegqyoceagbk]

Simple.  I'm looking for answers and there aren't any that are accurate or updated.  Do you have a better solution?  Isn't this why Adobe has people rely on comment threads instead of their actual help site?

[Bernd Alheit]

The answer from 2014 was correct.

[Test Screen Name]

Ok, the answer to this different question is: if the file is signed you cannot edit it or remove security, even with the password. Signing is final. I don't think you like this reply, but that doesn't make it wrong...

[sayling]

Just to update the 'correct' answer, this is no longer the case. You do not need Adobe Acrobat Pro to do this in Windows.

Windows enables you to print to PDF after you have opened the original file using the password, whereby the password security is overridden and removed in the 'printed' document.

Hopefully the 'correct' answer can now be marked as such...

[Test Screen Name]

Adobe do not support, condone, or allow discussion of techniques to remove a password by "back door" methods, or non-Adobe products. So any replies which mention this can be expected to be deleted. 

[xarilaos]

I do not have the desktop app. How can the file be unlocked using the web app?