How do I remove a usage restriction from a PDF file? [duplicate]
Try QPDF
I did not want to upload my PDF to a dodgy site and wait in queue, so instead I spend some time googling. I found this free open source utility called qpdf.
I ran it on the file like this:
qpdf --decrypt input.pdf output.pdf
And the restrictions were removed. Note that the original PDF was not password protected.
Further reading
- From the QPDF manual: Rationale for not enforcing restrictions
- List of possible PDF restrictions: QPDF manual, section 3.3: Encryption Options
PDFUnlock! "Remove passwords and restrictions from secured PDF files!"
- upload to google drive (with chrome)
- hit the print button
- save as pdf
I get the real deal, images are same resolution, file size checks out too, but all the security restrictions are gone.
Thanks Google! You guys are hackers :-)
P.S.: Sometimes the "save as pdf" option needs to be enabled in chrome.
P.P.S.: As @Gabriel Luci points out, some special functions will not get converted properly, including any "active" content that uses scripting and some form features.
I was also trying to bypass PDF permission password security. I have received this file from my client and he said he forgot the password. I did a quick Google search and found the website PDFUnlock but I didn’t upload the PDF file there because this PDF file is pretty confidential and this PDFUnlock website looks quite phishy. I mean in the header area there is a hyperlink that redirects to some fundraising/donation website, then there is “Purchase PDF Unlocker” button and again in the end there is a “Donate” button that redirects to PayPal. Note: It’s just my personal opinion.
Then I came across to this guide to removing PDF password security/restrictions. Program mentioned here did the job for me! It’s not free but it works perfectly. Now I can easily print, copy and modify this PDF file.
P.S. My PDF file was protected with 256bit encryption.
Update: I just discovered that Instructable tutorial link that I posted in my answer is dead so I replaced it with the website link from where I downloaded the program.