Does lock security on PDF document hamper your workflow? It remains a prominent concern for many professionals when accessing the document. If the protection is no longer required, you might be wondering about ways to modify locked PDF in batch mode. In the following guide, we will share the best practices to remove permissions from PDF document. With this, you can easily modify the locked status without any data loss. So, let’s begin the discussion. 

What are the Major Types of PDF Protection?

In the era of information, data costs everything. Speaking about PDF, it is among the most useful documents. Here, the chances of data leakage and tampering are quite high due to the simple formatting of the document. It certainly highlights the need for PDF protection or security. Moreover, there are modes of PDF security, like password and owner permissions.

The purpose of imposing protections is data security, maintaining originality, ensuring authenticity, and more. In this way, you can safeguard the confidential content without impacting the formatting and style. Moreover, these document restrictions stop users from editing, modifying content, and tampering with the information. Let’s understand these types of protection in the section below:

• PDF Document Password: If the PDF is constantly asking for the password, it refers to the user or open document password. These documents require legitimate credentials to access the PDF for editing and other purposes. 

• PDF Owner Permissions: Unlike the document password, sometimes owners restrict particular actions like editing, text copying, page printing, etc. In this way, you can protect the document integrity by sharing or archiving the document. 

Overall, these are the common types of PDF document protection used for securing content and document authenticity. However, these permissions often create hindrances when working or editing the PDF. Here, you might be seeking the methods to modify the security. With this, you can regain access to locked PDF files. 

How to Modify Locked PDF - 3 Simple Methods 

If you’re wondering how to modify a locked PDF, here is the complete stepwise guide. From free online to robust software, these methods are for professional and business workers. Using these solutions, you can easily convert password protected PDF to PDF document. Follow the methods below:

1. Online Free PDF Tools 

2. Adobe Acrobat Pro Software 

3. SysTools Unlocking PDF Tool 

Now, let’s dive into the detailed discussion. 

#1 How to Modify Locked PDF - Free Online PDF Tools 

Many of you look for how to modify a locked PDF document, try free online tools like iLovePDF, Smallpdf, PDF2Go, etc. Using these online platforms, you can disable the document protection, including password and owner's permissions. From a simple dashboard to time-saving functions, these tools are valuable for professionals when modifying security. 

Using these solutions, you can batch disable the locked status of documents. Here, you won’t need to run any third-party application. Follow the steps to modify the password protected PDF:

1. Open the free website on your web browser (e.g., iLovePDF). 

2. Drag & Drop the locked or protected PDF document. 

3. Enter the known document password > re-enter. 

4. Lastly, use the Unlock key to disable the protection. 

Major Limitations: The online tools are highly useful, but they hold a grave risk. In other words, there is a chance of leakage of information when uploading data online. It is not recommended to share confidential or locked PDF documents over free online websites. Additionally, it can tamper with the formatting and elements. So, don’t use free methods for modifying PDFs. 

#2 How to Modify a Locked PDF - Adobe Acrobat Pro Tool 

Previously, we have shared how to modify password protected PDF using online tools. Since free solutions pose a risk factor, look for a secure one. Try Adobe Acrobat Pro tool, an all-in-one solution known for effective document management. Using this powerful software, you can review or modify the PDF security at once. It allows you to remove the locked status, including the password or permissions like modifying, content copying, and more. 

Moreover, it is useful for both Windows and macOS users. Additionally, it effectively meets all the industrial standards of data protection, such as HIPAA and GDPR. Here are quick steps for modifying the PDF protection using the Acrobat Tool:

1. Install and open Adobe Acrobat software on the system. 

2. “File” and then click on Tools > search for Encrypt. 

3. In the Security tab > click the option “Remove Security”. 

4. Type the document credentials if required> press OK. 

5. Lastly, download the unsecured PDF document. 

Drawbacks of the Acrobat Tool: This software is paid; it is mainly based on subscription plans. These plans are equally costly, which is not flexible for professionals or business users. Whether you’re an individual or a small enterprise, this complete suite is not worth due to its high cost. Instead, you can look for the alternative option or tools for modifying or changing the document permissions cost-effectively. 

#3 How to Modify Password Protected PDF - SysTools Unlocking PDF Tool

If you’re seeking how to modify locked PDF, use the SysTools Best PDF Unlocker Tool, one of the cutting-edge and modern software designed for professional ease. Using this utility, you can remove modes of restrictions like passwords and owners' permissions like editing, modifying content, page printing, and more. Moreover, the tool is developed for Windows or macOS users. 

Moreover, it allows you to manage the document without any protection. It is a great choice for individuals and professionals for accessing the PDF with no limitations. From PDF integrity to privacy, the software covers everything for you. Using this advanced tool, you don’t need to depend on costly solutions like Acrobat Pro software. With this, you can download the unprotected document on your system. 

Guide to Modify a Locked PDF Document 

1. Run the SysTools Unlocking PDF tool on your system. 

2. Use the Add Files feature to upload the locked document. 

3. In password section, type the correct PDF credentials. 

4. Go to Save and then, Change to find location for output files. 

5. Press the Unlock key to disable security and modify the PDF at once. 

Concluding Words

In the summary, we have listed 3 ways how to modify PDF document. Using these methods, you can disable protection and get access to modify the document without any data loss. Compared to other options, SysTools Unlocking PDF is a premium yet cost-effective solution for removing the access restriction in batch mode.