How to Remove a PDF Permission Password

By Ann Jamerson

Removing passwords and other security settings from a PDF requires minimal steps.
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Standard and professional versions of Adobe Acrobat allow users to secure their PDF files in several ways depending on the preferred level of confidentiality. In addition to setting a password to open the PDF, users can also apply passwords to restrict others from modifying or printing their PDFs. Removing these passwords is a simple process; however, you cannot set or remove security settings using Adobe Reader.

Step 1

Open the PDF file whose security settings you wish to remove.

Step 2

Click on "Document" on the main menu bar and select "Security." A second menu will open.

Step 3

Select "Show Security Settings for This Document" and click on the "Security" tab.

Step 4

Click on the "down" arrow on the "Security Method" box and adjust the "Password Security" setting to "No Security."

Step 5

Click "OK" when prompted to assert that you want to remove the password. This will delete all other security settings as well.

Step 6

Click on "File" on the main menu bar and then select "Save" to save the document. The next time you or anyone else opens or edits the document, you will not be prompted to enter a password. The PDF will retain its security settings if you do not save the document before closing it.

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