This Decrypt PDF tool removes password protection from an encrypted PDF in your browser. Drop in a locked file, enter the user or owner password (or leave the box empty if the PDF opens without one and only restricts printing, copying or editing), and download an unlocked copy that opens without a password. It supports AES-256 and RC4 encryption and detects whether a file is protected before you decrypt. Designed for developers, support teams, and anyone who legitimately needs to access a PDF they have the password for — for example before merging, editing, or re-encrypting with a new password. Processing is entirely local, so your document and password never leave your device.
Features
Removes password protection from AES-256 and RC4 encrypted PDFs
Accepts the user (open) or owner password, or none for a file that opens without one
Detects encryption type before you decrypt
Rejects files that are not password-protected
Downloads an unlocked PDF that opens without a password
Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded to a server
How to use the Decrypt PDF
Drop or select the password-protected PDF.
Confirm the tool detected encryption (algorithm shown under the filename).
Enter the user or owner password, or leave the box empty if the PDF opens without one.
Click Decrypt & download and save the unlocked file.
Keep the unlocked copy secure; it no longer requires a password to open.
Example
Input
report-locked.pdf · Password: •••••• · AES-256
Output
report-locked-unlocked.pdf — opens without a password
Removing AES-256 password protection with the correct open password.
Common errors & troubleshooting
This PDF is not password-protected. — The file has no encryption dictionary. Only locked PDFs need this tool — open the file normally or use Encrypt PDF to add a password.
"Incorrect password." or "This PDF needs its password to open." — Passwords are case-sensitive, so double-check the user or owner password. The second message means the box was left empty but the file has an open password: type it in and try again.
Unsupported encryption. — Some rare PDF encryption schemes (such as certain AES-128 variants) are not supported yet. Try opening in Adobe Acrobat and re-saving, or use RC4 encryption when creating the file.
The tool says the PDF packs its objects into encrypted object streams. — Some tools, Ghostscript among them, store a file's internal objects inside encrypted object streams, which cannot be decrypted here yet, so no damaged copy is offered. If you know the password, open the PDF in a desktop viewer and save or print it as a new PDF, then use that copy.
The PDF will not load at all. — Make sure the file is a valid PDF and not corrupted. Re-download the original if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What does Decrypt PDF do?
It removes password protection from an encrypted PDF, producing a new file that opens without a password. You supply the user or owner password, or nothing at all if the PDF already opens without one.
Which passwords work?
Either the user (open) password or the owner password can unlock the file, as long as it matches what was set when the PDF was encrypted. If the PDF opens without a password and only restricts printing, copying or editing, leave the box empty; a file that asks for a password when you open it still needs that password.
What encryption types are supported?
AES-256 and RC4 (40-bit and 128-bit) are supported. The tool detects the algorithm automatically when you upload the file.
Will decrypting change the document content?
The tool removes encryption only. Page content, fonts, and layout stay the same; the output simply no longer requires a password to open.
Does decrypting upload my file anywhere?
No. The unlock step runs locally in your browser, so your PDF and password stay on your device.
Can I re-encrypt after decrypting?
Yes. Use Encrypt PDF on the unlocked file to set a new password or different permissions.
Related tools
Encrypt PDF — Password-protect a PDF with AES-256 or RC4 encryption.
Merge PDFs — Combine multiple PDFs into one, with reordering.
Split PDF — Extract pages or ranges (e.g. 1-3,5,7-9) into a new PDF.
Watermark PDF — Add a diagonal text watermark to every page.
PDF to Text — Extract selectable text from a PDF as plain text or Markdown.
Rotate PDF — Rotate all pages or a selection by 90/180/270°.
Compress PDF — Shrink a PDF by re-rendering each page to a JPEG at a chosen quality and resolution.