Unlock PDF: how it works
To unlock a PDF, open the Unlock PDF tool and add your file; PDFER removes printing and copying restrictions and re-saves an unlocked copy in your browser. The file is never uploaded. Use it only on documents you are authorized to modify.
How to use Unlock PDF
- Open the Unlock PDF tool and add your PDF.
- Let PDFER remove the permission restrictions locally.
- Download the unlocked PDF.
In your browser vs. uploading to a server
Best for removing owner restrictions (no-print, no-copy) from your own files. It does not crack unknown passwords on encrypted documents you don't have access to.
Frequently asked questions
How do I remove restrictions from a PDF?
- Open the Unlock PDF tool and add the file; PDFER strips owner restrictions such as no-printing or no-copying and downloads an unlocked copy, in your browser.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
- No. PDFER runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript. Your files are read into memory on your device, processed locally, and never sent to PDFER or any third party. Closing the tab or leaving the tool erases them from memory.
PDFER is a privacy-first PDF toolkit built by Kiril Urbonas. Every tool runs entirely in your browser — see our security model and privacy policy.