PDF files are a ubiquitous document format and widely used across all platforms. To protect sensitive information, PDF creators often apply security restrictions to prevent tampering. While these protections are useful, they can sometimes become an obstacle—especially when you own the document but no longer remember the password or need full access for legitimate reasons. Here, you might seek how to strip PDF security for better accessibility. 

Follow this guide to discover the effective approaches to remove permissions from PDF document. So, let’s walk through the guide. 

What is the Meaning of PDF Security?

PDF security refers to the protection mechanisms applied to a PDF document to control access and usage. These security measures are typically implemented using encryption and access controls. Below are the common types of PDF security or restrictions: 

  • Open Password (User Password): Required to open the PDF file

  • Permission Password (Owner Password): Restricts actions like printing, editing, copying, or commenting

  1. Content Copying Restrictions: Prevents copying text or images

  2. Editing Restrictions: Blocks modifications or form filling

  3. Printing Restrictions: Disables printing or allows only low-quality prints

When you strip PDF security, you remove these restrictions to regain full control over the document. Now, let’s understand the reasons for removing security. 

Why Do Users Need to Strip PDF Security?

There are several legitimate reasons to remove security from PDF documents: 

  • Forgotten PDF Password: Over time, users may forgot PDF password of their own documents, making the PDF inaccessible or partially locked.

  • Editing or Updating Content: Restricted PDFs cannot be edited or updated, which can be problematic when changes are required for business, legal, or academic purposes.

  • Printing and Sharing: Security restrictions may block printing or copying content, even when the document is required for official use.

  • Data Extraction: Users often need to extract text, images, attachments, or other elements from secured PDF files.

Overall, these are the common reasons to strip PDF security. Now, you may wonder about the reasons. So, let’s dive in to discover the methods at once. 

How to Strip Security from PDF Document - Try Free PDF Tools 

Sometimes PDF files are protected with restrictions that prevent printing, copying, or editing. In such cases, free online PDF tools provide a quick way to remove security from a PDF document without requiring any software installation. Using these online web-based platforms, users can easily bypass security and gain instant access to PDF files. 

Moreover, the tools support batch processing, allowing users to share the document without protection. The platforms won’t require any technical specialisation. Now, follow the guide to strip security from PDF files instantly using free tools: 

  1. Firstly, visit the free online tool using web-browsers. 

  2. Drag and drop the PDF document into the interface. 

  3. Enter the passkey and then, move to Unlock/ start. 

  4. Finally, download the PDF files in the PC. 

Pros of Using Free Online PDF Tools

  • No installation required

  • Easy to use for beginners

  • Works on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices

  • Free for small or occasional use

  • Quick processing for simple PDF files

Cons of Using Online PDF Websites

  • File size restrictions

  • Internet connection required

  • Data privacy concerns (file upload to servers)

  • Limited success with strong encryption

  • Not suitable for bulk or confidential PDFs

How to Strip PDF Security Using Adobe Acrobat Tool

PDF security is helpful for protecting documents, but it can also restrict legitimate use, such as editing, printing, or copying content. If you have authorization to access the file, you can easily strip PDF security using Adobe Acrobat Pro software. 

This is advanced software for stripping unwanted permissions or security from PDF files. Also, there is no loss of data and formatting. Here is a step-by-step guide to strip password security from PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Pro page: 

  1. Start by downloading the Adobe Acrobat Pro software on PC. 

  2. Navigate to File and then, tab Tools > Encrypt feature.

  3. Go to No Security in the Security section > enter password. 

  4. Finally, download the unsecured PDF document instantly. 

Pros of Using Adobe Acrobat

  • Highly secure and trusted tool

  • Maintains original formatting and layout

  • Ideal for business and professional use

  • No risk of file corruption

Cons of Using Acrobat Pro

  • Requires a paid subscription

  • Cannot strip PDF security without the correct password

  • Not suitable if the password is forgotten

How to Strip PDF Security - SysTools PDF Pro Software

To strip security from PDF, use SysTools PDF Document Unlocker in Windows or macOS. Using this advanced software, you can strip out the security without data formatting or loss. The tool is designed while keeping the industrial needs in mind. Moreover, it allows you to disable the protection, including the password and owner permissions. This way, you can organize PDF files effortlessly. 

Moreover, it is a secure and flexible software for everyone. Using the utility, you can share the document with ease. Below is a stepwise guide to strip out the PDF security using SysTools Pro software: 

  1. Firstly, download the SysTools Pro utility on your machine. 

  2. “Add Files or Folders” to access the PDF files instantly. 

  3. In Password, enter the necessary passkey > tab Save. 

  4. Now, Change to set the location > click Unlock button. 

Final Words 

In the above guide, we have shared 3 ways to strip PDF security. Moreover, it allows users to strip security in batch mode. Compared to all the techniques, SysTools PDF Pro software is a secure and professional tool for unlocking the document.