How to Unlock PDF for Printing with 3 Easy Methods

To unlock PDF for printing means to remove any password restrictions on performing actions such as printing, editing, or copying of the content in the locked file. This can be done effortlessly even if you don't know the passwords. This article outlines three different ways for how to unlock PDF for printing, copying, and editing. Note that this does not refer to the Open Password, which is required for accessing the file and must be known.

Method 1: How to Unlock PDF for Printing with Software

aJoysoft PDF Password Remover is the first tool we're showing today. It is a dedicated PDF security removal tool and can instantly unlock all printing restrictions from one or more PDF files at a time. If you have a PDF that's locked for viewing, you can enter it into the software and permanently unlock the file for anyone to access. This flexibility and power make it a very versatile and handy addition to your software toolbelt. So, how do we use this PDF password remover?

Step 1: Add the PDFs to Unlock for Printing

Launch the utility and click Add Files to import multiple documents.

You can also pick them up from Explorer and drop them in the software window.

Step 2: Unlock PDF for Printing

You are now ready to unlock limitless files in one click.

Click on Remove Password and the job's done in a couple of seconds; and if you see a lock icon on the right corner, you need to click it and enter the Open Password, do that first so the PDF can be fully unlocked for all purposes.

That's how simple it is to unlock PDFs for printing. Now you can print the PDF use any PDF editor, or any browser.

Method 2: How to Unlock the Print Option in a PDF File using Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a great workaround tool for this because it's absolutely free and it can be done without installing any software. The reason it works is that Chrome has a built-in PDF reader with a Print function; this can be used to circumvent the printing restrictions and unlock the file. The following steps show how this works:

Step 1: Drag the locked PDF file into a Chrome tab and drop it to open it.

Step 2: Next, trigger the Print dialog by clicking Ctrl+P.

Step 3: You will need to change the Destination to Save as PDF and then hit Save.

The file that will be saved to your desktop is now fully unlocked for printing. You can now re-import the file to Chrome and use the Print dialog again, but this time it will be to print the document without any password requirement.

Method 3: How to Unlock Print Option in PDF FIles with Google Drive

Another safe workaround method to unlock PDF for printing is to upload it to Drive and print it from there. Since the upload process causes the restrictions to be removed, you don't need to save it as a PDF first. The process has been described below:

Step 1: Click New → File Upload in a Drive window to import your locked PDF.

Step 2: Double-click the uploaded file or right-click and select Preview.

Step 3: The PDF is now unlocked and ready to print - hit Ctrl + P and click Print.

(Note: If you need an unsecured copy of the file, change the Destination to Save as PDF just as we did in the Chrome process, then click Save)

Using one of these three methods shown above, you can easily unlock any PDF for printing by removing the restrictions. Of course, the recommended method is the first one using aJoysoft PDF Password Remover. The reasons are obvious:

• Dedicated application to unlock printing and other restrictions instantly
• Process as many files as you need to in a single batch
• Remove Open Password requirement if you know it
• Slick and user-friendly interface with zero learning curve