MAC PDF

Edit Protected PDF on Mac without Password – Expert Solutions

In this article, We will discuss ways to edit protected PDF on Mac without password and understand why it is not working.

PDF is a file format developed by Adobe that helps the user maintain the layout of a document. It is used to view or print documents. PDF files contain text, images, hyperlinks, and many more and are widely used for sharing documents.

Table of Contents:

1. How to Edit a Secured PDF on Mac Without a Password?
2. Edit a Protected PDF on Mac Without Password via Chrome
3. Get Adobe Acrobat to Edit Protected PDF
4. Professional Solution – Edit Protected PDF on Mac Without Password
5. Conclusion
6. FAQs

How to Edit a Secured PDF on Mac Without a Password?

We generally need a password to edit protected PDFs on Mac which is quite challenging to do if users don’t have a password. However, there are several ways to bypass these restrictions. Here, We will come across some methods that will help you to edit a secured PDF on Mac without a password.

Protected PDF files are common in this digital world. They are primarily used to secure information and prevent unauthorized editing. But what if there is a need to make changes to such a document on Mac but the password is missing? Thankfully, there are a few workarounds that can help users unlock and edit protected PDF on Mac without password with ease.

Edit a Protected PDF on Mac Without Password via Chrome

Google Chrome offers a simple method to edit secured PDF files without a password as it leverages Chrome’s ability to open and print PDF files. The process essentially creates a duplicate of the original PDF removing the editing restrictions. Follow the steps given below-

Step 1. Open the Chrome browser on your Mac and drag the protected PDF file into a new Tab.

Step 2. If the document doesn’t have printing restrictions, go to the ‘Print’ option in Chrome. 

Step 3. From there, save the document as a new PDF. 

Step 4. Open the new PDF file in your preferred PDF editor, like Preview, and you should be able to make the necessary edits.

This method effectively bypasses the editing protection originally placed on the document, Also, It doesn’t require any specialized software and can be particularly useful to edit protected PDF on mac without password. 

Limitations-  As I already mentioned above,  the method might not work on PDF documents having restrictions on printing. On and on, This method is only useful for PDF files not having any restrictions on printing.

Using Adobe Acrobat (Password Required)

For those who have the password to a secured PDF, Adobe Acrobat Pro offers an easy solution to edit such documents. Adobe Acrobat can handle secured documents with ease as once the user opens a protected PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro, they can easily input the known password to edit the protected PDF on Mac. Follow the steps given below- 

Step 1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro. 

Step 2. Navigate to File, then click Properties.

Step 3. Go to the Security tab to review the document’s restrictions.

Step 4. Select No Security in the list. Then, enter the password to remove the password from the PDF.

Now, you can easily edit the PDF file. Adobe Acrobat has many advantages like a range of editing capabilities. Moreover, Acrobat Pro allows users to re-secure the document with a new password and adjust permission settings as needed. It provides flexibility and security for sensitive information. 

Conclusion

It is quite a challenge to edit protected PDF on Mac without password as there are many limitations to the process. To wind up, I have mentioned some useful methods that may help you resolve the issue. I would recommend you go with the professional solution as it will help you do your work with full accuracy.  

Also read: Combine PDF files on Mac

FAQs

Q. How do I turn off Protected Mode in PDF?

To turn off Protected Mode in Adobe Acrobat, follow these steps:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat.
2. Click on “Edit” in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
4. Then, click on “Security” from the list on the left.
5. Under “Protected View”, uncheck the box next to “Enable Protected Mode at startup”.
6. Click “OK” to save your changes.
7. Close and reopen Adobe Acrobat for the changes to take effect.

Q. How to open a protected PDF?

To open a protected PDF:

1. Enter the password if you have it.
2. Use Google Chrome to print the PDF to a new file.
3. Consider professional software like Adobe Acrobat Pro.
4. Contact the document owner for access.

Q. How do I change a secured PDF to an unsecured PDF without a password?

To change a secured PDF to an unsecured one without a password:

1. Use Google Chrome to print the PDF to a new file.
2. Consider professional PDF software like Adobe Acrobat Pro.
3. Be cautious with online tools.
4. Contact the document owner for an unsecured version.