Every standard PDF encryption
RC4 40-bit and 128-bit, AES-128 and AES-256 (revision 5 and 6) files all open, as long as you have the password.
Unlock PDF · Free · No upload
Unlock a PDF without uploading it.
Type the password the file opens with and download an unlocked copy. If the PDF opens freely but blocks printing or copying, leave the password empty and YaPDF lifts those restrictions instead. Everything runs in your browser.
- Local processing
- No watermarks
- No signup
- No trackers
01 · THE TOOL
Remove the password. Keep the document.
Add the PDF, confirm you have the right to change it, and save the unlocked copy.
Runs on this device
SELECTED TOOL
Unlock PDF
Drop your locked PDF here
or click to choose from your device
PDF only · Processed locally
Type the password the file opens with, or leave it blank for a PDF that opens freely but blocks printing or copying. YaPDF never guesses or cracks passwords.
Working on it…0%
Reading your file locally.
Your file is ready
Download
02 · STEP BY STEP
How to unlock a PDF
Three steps, all on your device. The original file is never modified.
- 1+
Add the locked PDF
Drop it into the workbench or choose it from your device. The file is read into browser memory only.
- 2
Enter the password you know
Type the password the document opens with. Leave it blank if the file opens freely but blocks printing, copying or editing.
- 3✓
Download the unlocked copy
YaPDF rewrites the PDF without its encryption and offers a new file. The original is untouched.
03 · WHAT YOU GET
Built for real locked files.
Every feature below runs on your device. See how the engines work.
Owner restrictions too
PDFs that open without a password but forbid printing, copying or editing are rewritten without those flags. No password needed.
Password never leaves the tab
The check and the rewrite happen locally with pdf.js and a WebAssembly build of qpdf. Nothing is transmitted.
Honest about limits
YaPDF does not guess, crack or recover passwords. If the file asks for a password when it opens, you need that password.
Can YaPDF open a PDF if I forgot the password?
No. YaPDF only removes protection when you supply the password the document opens with. It never tries to guess or crack a password. If the file opens freely and only blocks printing or copying, no password is needed.
What is the difference between an open password and owner restrictions?
An open (user) password is required to view the document at all. Owner restrictions let anyone view the file but disable printing, copying or editing. YaPDF removes both: the first with the password you know, the second with the password field left empty.
Does the unlocked copy look identical?
Yes. qpdf rewrites the file without its encryption layer and leaves pages, fonts, images, links and form fields untouched. Only the protection is removed.
Is it legal to remove a PDF password?
Removing protection from your own documents, or from files you are authorised to modify, is normal document maintenance. YaPDF asks you to confirm that you own the file or have permission before it runs. Removing protection from documents you have no right to alter may breach copyright or contract terms.
Why does YaPDF need the password if the file is mine?
Encryption is mathematical: without the key derived from the password, no tool can read the content. YaPDF verifies the password locally with pdf.js before rewriting the file, so a typo produces a clear message instead of a broken document.
THE PDF DESK THAT RESPECTS YOUR DESK