How to unlock your PDF on Mac
- 1
Open this page in Safari or Chrome on your Mac and add the protected PDF.
- 2
Type the password if the PDF asks for one to open; restrictions alone need no password.
- 3
Click Unlock PDF and download the unlocked copy.
Unlock PDF on Mac: built-in options vs this tool
In Preview, open the PDF with its password, choose File → Export, untick Encrypt and save. That works for one file; this page does the same in any browser and also removes printing and copying restrictions.
It works in Safari, Chrome and Firefox on any Mac with nothing to install, including Apple-silicon and older Intel Macs.
Private by design
Your file is processed by your own browser, in memory. It is never uploaded, stored or seen by anyone, and the page’s security policy blocks it from sending data to other servers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove PDF password in preview?
Open this page in Safari or Chrome on your Mac and add the protected PDF. Type the password if the PDF asks for one to open; restrictions alone need no password. Click Unlock PDF and download the unlocked copy. It runs in the browser on Mac, with nothing to install.
How to remove password from PDF with preview?
Add the PDF, type its password when asked, and click Unlock PDF. You download a copy that opens without a password. If the file only has restrictions, no password is needed at all.
Does it work on Mac?
It works in Safari, Chrome and Firefox on any Mac with nothing to install, including Apple-silicon and older Intel Macs.
Can I unlock a PDF without the password?
Only if the password protects permissions (printing, copying, editing) and not opening. A PDF that asks for a password to open is encrypted, and it can’t be decrypted without that password.
How do I remove printing or copying restrictions?
Add the PDF. If it opens without a password, the tool detects the restrictions and removes them with one click.
Is it legal to unlock a PDF?
Removing a password from your own documents, or documents you are entitled to use, is generally fine. Don’t remove protection to get around someone else’s copyright or terms of use.