Guide · Velvet Ring
How to remove a password from a PDF on Windows
Drag the locked PDF, hold Shift and drop it on Unlock (the Lock button turns into Unlock for a locked PDF). Type the password once – a copy that opens without it appears next to the original.
The usual ways – and their catch
- Print to PDF. Open the PDF with the password, then print it to a new PDF – works when printing is allowed, and links get lost.
- Paid PDF editors. Can remove the security – for a price.
- Online unlockers. You upload a protected document – exactly what the password was meant to prevent.
Save a PDF that opens without the password – the quick way with Velvet
- Start dragging the locked PDF and hold Shift. Velvet sees the lock – the Lock button becomes Unlock.
- Drop it on Unlock. Type the password.
- Done. A copy without the password appears next to the original.
Bank statements and payslips often come locked with your birth date or ID number – unlock them once and file the copy.
Questions
Can it open a PDF without knowing the password?
No. Velvet removes a password you know – it doesn't crack passwords.
Does it work for password-protected ZIP files?
Yes – drop the ZIP on Unlock in the archive ring.
Is the PDF uploaded?
No. Everything happens on your PC.
How to remove a password from a PDF?
Drop the locked PDF on Unlock and type the password once.
How to unlock a PDF?
Same – Unlock, with the password you know.
Try Velvet Ring in your browser
No install – sign a sample contract, stamp it or blur a number plate right on this site. Velvet is a small Windows app with 40+ actions like this one.