How to Edit a Secured PDF

Knowing how to edit a secured PDF may be helpful for those who regularly work with digital documents.

These are files that have restrictions on who can open the content and what changes can be made. The limitations might be simply preventing viewers from printing PDFs or copying.

In this guide, we'll explain different kinds of PDF protection and 3 ways of editing protected PDFs.

Types of PDF security

When trying to remove a password from a PDF, you should grasp the two methods of PDF preservation that can be implemented.

Open password

An open password is used to restrict the ability to view the locked PDF. It is usually set by the author with a PDF protector, providing an extra layer. Unauthorized viewers will be denied access to such papers.

Permission

The second kind of PDF guard affects what a person can do with a file. For example, it can prevent other people from being able to print, copy, or adjust the substance of the preserved PDF. The receivers will still be able to read it.

Now, let's see how to redact a safeguarded PDF with one of these types.

Method 1. Edit a code secured PDF online

Changing digital documents with an online service is easy and does not require any software installation. For example, PDF Candy can help you make refines.

Here’s a tutorial on how to edit an access-controlled PDF:

Step 1: Remove the password.

1. Go to the online PDF unlocker. Import with the "Add file(s)" button or drag and drop it into the working area. Loading from Dropbox and Google Drive is also possible.
2. Choose to disable the credentialautomatically (good if you forgot the combination) or manually (by entering the key).
3. Tap "Unlock PDF" to delete the password. Export the new version.

Step 2: Edit the PDF online.

1. Under "Download", press "Edit". You will be redirected to an online PDF utility.
2. Browse the released document with "Add file".
3. Now you can modify the PDF: type, remove, and highlight text, put images, draw on the page, and more.
4. Once you have made all your desired changes, click "Export File".
5. When the processing is complete, you can save or share the result.

Benefits of employing a web service to refine an encrypted PDF:

• It is fast and secure. Everything is removed from the servers after 2 hours.
• You can modify the data, incline annotations to your paper, and more.
• No software setup is necessary, saving space on your computer or phone.
• You can download processed drafts from other devices for two hours if you log in.
• Bring in to Google Drive and Dropbox or create a link to send to others.

Ideal for:

• Students & Researchers – Quickly tweak papers without installing anything.
• Freelancers – Access files from any device and collaborate via cloud services.
• Teachers – Adjust worksheets, handouts, or lesson materials online.

Following the instructions in this guide, you will be able to revise a secured PDF without any difficulties.

Fact: 4.75% of passcodes contained the word "password".

Method 2. Edit a locked PDF offline

Making changes without internet access is not always easy. The best way to strip a key from a PDF on Windows is to utilize PDF Candy Desktop. This is a great software to work without diminishing its safety.

Here are the steps required to unset a restricted PDF:

1. Download and install the PDF password remover.
2. Click "Unlock PDF" and select the document.
3. Type the code in the textbox, activate "Unlock", and save to your computer.
4. Now open the "PDF editor" tool and import it. Tweak in a way you’d like: adjust text, add images, whiteout pages, etc.
5. When you’re done, tap "Export File" and decide if you want to download the PDF, move it to a cloud, or share it with your friends, family, or colleagues.

Pros:

• The interface is intuitive, which makes the PDF app easy to use.
• You don't need an internet connection to remove a password from a PDF.
• There is a powerful set of additional tools. Split, rotate, crop, and merge PDF quickly and effortlessly.

Cons:

• PDF program isn't available for macOS.
• You have to know the password to manipulate a PDF.

Ideal for:

• Administrators – Handle confidential agreements safely offline.
• Designers – Perform detailed modifications, add visuals, or remove sections.
• Accounting Specialists – Maintain strict privacy with sensitive documents.
• IT Staff – Manage multiple PDFs securely in restricted environments.

Employing PDF Candy Desktop on a Windows PC is an efficient solution without risking file preservation.

Fact: Replace your passwords every 60 to 90 days.

Method 3. Unlock a PDF in a browser

If you can open a PDF but can't change it or copy the content, it means that the creator disabled those actions. The method described below only works in case permission settings allow printing the PDF.

How to edit protected PDFs in a browser:

1. Open the PDF in any surfer.
2. Click "Print" or press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) on your keyboard.
3. Select "Save as PDF" in the print window to decrypt the document and choose where you want to keep the result.
4. Open it in the PDF editor and perform all the updates you need.
5. Tap "Export File" and get the PDF, upload it to the cloud, or generate a shareable link.

Pros:

• No need to install additional software or plugins.
• All platforms (Google Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, etc.) support the Print option.

Cons:

• You can't remove a password from your PDF this way.
• Protected PDFs should be printable.

Ideal for:

• Casual Users – Bypass minor restrictions fast.
• People Utilizing Public Computers – Transform without setting programs.
• Cross-Platform Owners – Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks.

By following these steps, you should have the capability to work successfully without any hassles.

How to check PDF restrictions?

Before attempting to edit a secured PDF, it’s essential to see its barrier type. Here’s how:

1. Adobe Acrobat: Open the paper, navigate to File > Properties > Security tab. This section displays whether copying is allowed.
2. Browser: Load the paper and attempt to select or render text. If these functions are blocked, limits are in place.

Knowing this information will help you pick the right method.

Tips

• Maintain an untouched original to allow rollback if needed.
• Understand the purpose of the PDF’s restrictions and modify only what’s essential.
• Keep formatting and layout consistent to preserve credibility.
• Note any adjustments if others will review or rely on the file.
• Ensure alterations comply with permissions and legal requirements.
• Retain or document metadata for version tracking and reference.
• After completing changes, consider restoring protections to safeguard the information.

FAQ

Is there any way to transform a secured PDF to a different format?

A: After disabling a PDF, you can turn it into other formats such as DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, etc., with an online converter.

What is the most efficient way of editing such PDFs?

A: The ideal solution is to unlock the PDF online, as you don't have to enter the password.  

Can I rearrange pages?

A: Yes, you can take off the code from a PDF with one of the methods described above. Then, reorganize PDF pages in your browser.

Can I print such PDFs?

A: Yes, unless printing is restricted by the owner. Check the file’s permissions to verify rendering capabilities.

Conclusion

Now you know how to edit a secured PDF. Being aware of what type of protection was used to safeguard the paper will help you choose the appropriate method to solve the problem.

By taking the measures described above, you can easily unlock a document and apply changes as needed.

With practice, this process will become second nature to you, and it will be simpler for you to make updates whenever necessary. Moreover, mastering the ability to modify password-protected PDFs can be advantageous for anyone wishing to have more authority over their data.

Try other PDF tools:

• Utilize the free online PDF editor for all your digital papers, not just the locked ones.
• Compress PDF to share them.
• Delete PDF pages that are no longer relevant to the content.
• Add signature to your PDF for verification and authorization