Remove PDF Password on Mac Using Preview
Removing a PDF password on Mac using Preview is the fastest method available on macOS. No downloads, no sign-ups, and the file never leaves your machine.
Opening the protected PDF in Preview
Double-click the PDF in Finder. If it does not open in Preview, right-click the file and choose Open With > Preview. A password dialog appears. Enter the correct password. The document opens.
Saving without a password
Go to File > Export as PDF. In the Export dialog, look for the Permissions button. Uncheck the password option. Leave the password field blank. Click Save. Give the new file a name and location. This creates an unprotected copy.
Overwriting vs. saving a copy
Export as PDF always creates a new file unless you save over the original name. It is good practice to save the unprotected version with a different name, such as adding '-unlocked' to the filename, so the original protected file is preserved if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Preview remove only the permissions password and keep the open password?
Preview's Export as PDF dialog handles both together. For fine-grained control over which passwords to remove, Adobe Acrobat gives more options.
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