How to Open Locked PDF

Elise Williams

2022-05-17 09:16:29 • Filed to: How-To-Windows • Proven solutions

The use of PDF documents in offices is popular today, and this trend is expected to continue. PDF files have turned offices into paperless offices as documents can be shared without altering the documents’ colors and fonts. Some PDF files have password protection, and you will be required to learn how to open locked PDF files before you begin editing such files. This article will show you how to open a locked PDF file using Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor and set and save preset passwords that you can use later to open a locked PDF file.

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Part 1. How to Open Locked PDF
Part 2. How to Open a Locked PDF with Preset Password

Part 1. How to Open Locked PDF

PDFelement is a comprehensive PDF editor with powerful editing features. You can install it on your Windows or Mac operating system devices to edit PDF documents offline. PDFelement has a user-friendly interface that you can easily navigate and open locked PDF files, print, annotate, create and convert PDF files. Also, you can use the OCR feature to convert scanned images to texts. Below is a step-by-step illustration of how to open a locked PDF file using PDFelement.

Step 1. Open File

Launch PDFelement and import the locked PDF file to the program by clicking on "Open Files". This will redirect you to your computer files. Now you can choose the locked PDF file you want to unlock. You can use the drag and drop feature on PDFelement to import files to the program. Enter the correct open password to be able to import the locked PDF file to PDFelement for editing.

Step 2. Enter Password

As mentioned, enter the correct open password first. Suppose the locked PDF file has a permission password restriction. In that case, a notification will appear prompting you to enter the password by clicking "Enable Editing" and "Enter Password". You will not be in a position to use other features until you have entered the correct password.

Step 3. Edit PDF File

After unlocking the locked PDF file using a permission password, you are ready to begin making adjustments to the PDF file. PDFelement allows you to edit texts, objects, add or remove links to the PDF files. Add or remove watermarks to the PDF file are also available.

Step 4. Save PDF

To save the edited PDF file to your computer, you will need to export it by selecting the "File " button and choosing the "Save" option or "Ctrl+S."

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Part 2. How to Open a Locked PDF with Preset Password

Step 1. Open File

Launch PDFelement, and click on "Open Files" on the Home screen to select the locked PDF file you want to edit. The drag and drop feature is also available, but you will first have to input the correct password to access the document. You can use the preset password option to unlock the file, but you will be required to set a preset password that will automatically open locked PDF files.

Step 2. Use Preset Password

PDFelement gives you two options to either open a locked PDF file using the open password option or a preset password. Click on the "Preset Password" option and proceed to set your preferred preset password. You will be required to set 3 preset passwords that you will use to open locked PDF files without having to input the open password. So, make sure you can easily remember the preset passwords you have entered before proceeding to save them. Alternatively, you can write down the three preset passwords you can easily retrieve if you forget them.

Step 3. Save preset password

To save the preset passwords, click on the dialog box “Always Use Passwords above to Automatically Unlock Documents”. Then click on “Apply” proceed and select “Using Preset Passwords” to open your locked PDF file using the saved preset passwords. The next time, you will use the preset passwords to open the file.