Decrypt a PDF in 3 steps
- 1
Load the encrypted PDF
Open Decrypt PDF and drop the file in, or click Choose file. The tool reads the file's encryption dictionary, which is never itself encrypted, so it can describe the protection before you type anything.
- 2
Read the encryption details and enter the password
For a file that needs a password, the Password panel shows a line such as Encryption: AES-256 (revision 6). Type the open password or the owner password.
- 3
Click Decrypt PDF
The tool decrypts the file and confirms the output carries no encryption. The download is named with -decrypted added.
What the encryption labels mean
- AES-256: the current PDF standard (security handler revision 6, or 5 in some older Acrobat 9 files). Strong when the password is good.
- AES-128: the PDF 1.6 handler, revision 4. Still sound, mostly found in files from older software.
- RC4 (legacy, weak): the cipher used by PDF 1.4 and earlier, at 40 or 128 bits. Treat these files as lightly protected and re-encrypt them with Encrypt PDF if they matter.
A low revision number is a good reason to upgrade the protection. Decrypt the file, then encrypt it again with AES-256.
Which password decrypts the file
Either one. The open (user) password and the owner password can each unlock the encryption key, so the tool accepts whichever you have. You must know one of them for any file that prompts for a password; Decrypt PDF does not try to guess or crack it.
Some PDFs open without any prompt yet are still encrypted, because they were written with only an owner password to carry print or copy restrictions. The tool labels these Restrictions only, lists what is blocked, and decrypts them without a password. The result title then reads Restrictions removed.
Decrypt PDF or Remove PDF Password?
They share the same engine and both produce a fully decrypted file. Decrypt PDF adds the encryption line, so it suits people who want to audit what protection a file has. Remove PDF Password is the plainer choice when you just want the password gone; the remove password guide covers fixes for rejected passwords.
Reasons to decrypt a PDF
- Archiving: encrypted files can become unreadable if the password is lost years later.
- Editing: tools such as Edit PDF and Merge PDF cannot read encrypted page content.
- Changing the protection: decrypt, then apply a new password or new permissions with PDF Permissions.
- Search and indexing: some document systems skip encrypted files entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Does decrypting change the content of the PDF?
No. Only the encryption layer is removed. Text, images, fonts, links and form fields are written back unchanged.
Why does the tool say the PDF isn't password-protected?
The file has no encryption dictionary, so there is nothing to decrypt. It already opens in any reader.
Can I see the encryption type without decrypting?
Yes. Load the file and read the Encryption line in the Password panel, then simply close the tab.