How To Edit a Locked PDF Without Password [Solved]

Part 1. Is It Possible to Edit a Locked PDF?

As long as you have no means to unlock a protected document, modifying it is simply impossible. When the PDF is restricted with an open password, you will not be able to open the file without it. Similarly, it is impossible to remove the permission password until you have the actual password. However, the question in many users' minds is how to edit a secured PDF without its lock key.

For this scenario, many tools and workarounds are available that claim to remove or recover the needed password. Once the file is no longer locked, you can edit, update, or extract information as needed. The key is to choose the right approach based on the level of security applied to the document.

Part 2. How To Unlock a PDF Document for Editing & Commenting [2–3 Minutes]

Before making any changes to your protected document, you’ll have to get rid of its password. Without removing the restrictions, editing or adding comments remains impossible. Luckily, reliable tools exist that can help you access the PDF quickly. One such solution is Dr.Fone – DocPassRemover, which simplifies the unlocking process in just a few minutes. It provides a straightforward way to remove restrictions from secured PDFs without requiring any skills.

That makes it the ideal choice for millions when it comes to how to edit a PDF that is locked. This program efficiently unlocks documents that have editing, copying, or printing restrictions. Its aim is to ensure you can modify your PDFs without hassle. Unlike complex manual methods, this program automates the whole operation to save time and effort. Additionally, it maintains the original formatting to keep the content intact.

With a robust approach, Dr.Fone makes unlocking PDFs accessible to everyone. When dealing with a file that restricts modifications, it offers you three different methods to remove the password. Plus, you can use this software to recover your old lock key. Once the document is unlocked, you can edit it freely to make any necessary updates without limitations.

Quick Tutorial on How To Unlock a PDF Document for Editing & Commenting

During the process, you can help the tool by giving the bits of information you remember to speed up the operation. Adhere to these elaborate instructions to remove the password so you can learn how to edit a locked PDF document:

01of 04Launch the Software and Choose the Targeted Lock

To begin, open Dr.Fone – DocPassRemover on your computer and click on “Upload PDF File” to import the protected document. After that, choose one of the three available options, such as “Decrypt Permissions Password,” to continue.

02of 04Choose Your Preferred Unlocking Method

Next, pick an option that aligns with the amount of password-related information you can provide and press “Next.” Once done, select the desired unlocking technique, like “Combined Cracking,” and proceed by clicking “Next” again.

03of 04Provide the Required Password Information

Now, fill in the necessary details, including password length, prefix or suffix, and any special characters if applicable. Afterward, review everything on the “Summary” screen and hit “Next” to let the tool start decrypting your document.

04of 04Retrieve the Password and Save the Unlocked File

After the task to remove the lock for the PDF finishes, press the “Recover Password” button to retrieve the lost password. Finally, click on “Save Decrypted PDF” to store the unlocked document on your device and wrap up the process.

Part 3. 5 Best PDF To Edit Locked PDFs After Removing the Password

Once you've successfully removed the password, the next step is choosing the right tool to modify your file. If you're wondering, “how do I edit a secured PDF document,” several reliable options exist. These advanced editors offer effortless features for making changes without affecting the document’s format. Explored below in detail are the 5 best editors that allow modifications after unlocking your protected document:

1. PDFelement

It is an excellent tool for those wondering how to change a secured PDF after unlocking it. This AI-powered software provides an effortless way to edit, convert, and sign PDFs across multiple platforms. With its dynamic interface, you can modify text, images, and page layouts just like in a Word document. Along with that, it even ensures quality formatting while offering OCR functionality to edit scanned PDFs.

2. Adobe Acrobat

This tool simplifies PDF creation, editing, and sharing with powerful tools. Users can edit locked PDFs, convert files, and add digital signatures effortlessly. The AI Assistant enhances productivity by summarizing and answering document-related queries. Moreover, Acrobat supports real-time collaboration, making feedback collection effortless. Its security features ensure confidential data remains secure while providing complete control over document access and permissions.

3. Nitro PDF

With the security of the highest level and advanced editing tools, Nitro PDF is another great choice. It offers an effortless way to edit protected PDFs when you want to add eSignatures or make redactions. Alongside that, its AI prowess makes it desirable via its ability to automate tasks and extract data. Additionally, Nitro ensures strong security and compliance, making it a reliable choice.

4. Foxit PDF Editor

This editor offers an AI-enhanced solution for handling documents. Users can easily edit secured PDFs to create forms, add signatures, and collaborate in real time. Notably, its password encryption and compliance-focused security make it a reliable choice for managing confidential and business-critical documents. Besides, Foxit effortlessly gets integrated with cloud services, allowing access without limitations.

5. PDF Expert

Continuing with the list, PDF Expert stands out as a go-to solution for Apple users. Users can effortlessly modify text to add links and even edit locked PDFs after they are unlocked. Along with OCR for scanned documents, it offers file conversion options and advanced annotation. All these help smooth the workflow for professionals and casual users. Designed for Apple devices, its straightforwardness is in its dynamic support for user interactions.

Conclusion

In summary, knowing how to edit a locked PDF may seem complicated to many users. However, it becomes just as easy as working with any other document once the restrictions are removed. When you need to modify text or insert images, unlocking the file is the first and most important step. Without access to editing features, even the best PDF editors won’t be able to help.

For a quick and hassle-free way to unlock PDFs, Dr.Fone - DocPassRemover stands out as a reliable solution. It removes restrictions in just a few clicks, ensuring you can modify your files without limitations.