All tools
Secure PDF

Unlock PDF

Remove a PDF's password and restrictions. Drop the file — add its open password if it has one — and download an unlocked copy, processed privately on your device.

Drop a locked PDF
Removes passwords & restrictions. Processed in your browser
No upload · processed locally · auto-deleted
A · Keep going

Related tools

B · How it works

How to unlock a password-protected PDF in your browser

Drop a locked PDF and FernPDF removes its restrictions — or decrypts it with the open password you provide — then downloads an unlocked copy. The unlocking is done by qpdf compiled to WebAssembly, running entirely on your device.

Because everything happens locally, neither the document nor the password is ever uploaded. Only unlock files you are authorised to modify.

C · FAQ

Both kinds of PDF lock: owner-password restrictions (the limits that block printing, copying or editing a PDF you can already open) and, when you supply the open password, the encryption that makes a PDF demand a password to view it. The unlocked copy opens and edits freely.

Only if the PDF asks for one just to open it — type that password in the field. For PDFs that open fine but block printing or copying, leave the field blank; no password is needed to lift those restrictions.

Completely. The unlock engine (qpdf) runs as WebAssembly in your browser — the PDF and any password you type never leave your device. Only unlock documents you have the right to use.