How do I change the password on a PDF file? Have you ever wondered this question? You may have a password-protected PDF file that was encrypted by others and want to update the password. No worries when you’re in this situation! In this blog post, we will offer you 4 reliable ways and walk you through the process of changing PDF passwords. Now, let’s dive in and explore all the details.
#1. Change PDF Password with SwifDoo PDF
The first tool we recommend for editing PDFs is SwifDoo PDF. It's a fully-fledged PDF editor that supports editing, annotating, converting, and protecting PDFs. With its help, you can easily encrypt and decrypt PDF files, which allows you to change PDF passwords directly.
Steps for changing PDF passwords using SwifDoo PDF:
Step 1. Download and install SwifDoo PDF for your device. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Step 2. Open a password-protected PDF in this program. Then, click Protect > Decryption.
Step 3. Enter the preset password to decrypt the PDF file.
Step 4. Tap Encryption and set new passwords for the PDF file.
That’s how you update the password for a PDF file. Sounds easy, right? Though there are four steps to do so, it actually only takes several seconds. So, why not give it a try? Free download it now!
Beyond protecting PDF files, SwifDoo PDF has more features that can help you efficiently process PDF files. If you’re interested in this software, check the content below:
- Edit, Annotate, Convert PDFs: SwifDoo PDFs provides all-around solutions for manipulating PDFs as per requirements. Whether you need to edit PDF content, add annotations, convert to/from other file formats, compress PDFs, etc., you can find a way out in this program.
- SwifDoo AI: It’s a smart assistant powered by ChatGPT 4.0 that lets users work more efficiently with PDFs, especially large documents. With its aid, you can quickly analyze, summarize, translate, rewrite, explain, and proofread PDF files.
- 7-day free trial: SwifDoo PDF offers all new users a 7-day free trial, during which you can experience all its features without any limit.
SwifDoo PDF boasts much more advantages than we just mentioned in this article. Feel excited about this fantastic PDF editor? Do not hesitate! Download and use it now!
- Annotate PDFs by adding notes, bookmarks, etc.
- Convert PDFs to Word, Excel, and other editable files
- Edit, compress, organize, and split PDFs
- Sign PDFs digitally & electronically 100% safe
#2. Change PDF Password with Apple Preview
Though SwifDoo PDF just released a Mac version, it doesn’t support encrypting or decrypting PDFs yet. Luckily, Mac users can use Apple Preview, a built-in tool that also serves as an easy-to-follow PDF editor.
Preview also provides an intuitive way to remove and set new passwords for PDF files. Here’s how:
Step 1. Open a PDF file in Preview. You may need to enter a password to access a protected PDF document.
Step 2. Click File > Export and click on Permission.
Step 3. Set a new password to open the PDF or restrict permissions. Reenter the password to verify.
Step 4. Tap Apply and save the PDF document.
By following these four steps, you’ve successfully changed the password of the opened PDF file using Preview. When you open the PDF file next time, you need to use the updated password instead of the original one.
#3. Change PDF Password with Adobe Acrobat
For users who prefer to use Adobe Acrobat, we've also got you covered! Adobe Acrobat has developed over 3 decades, making itself an expert in this PDF editing industry. Speaking of changing the PDF password, you also need to unlock the PDF and add a new password again.
Steps for changing PDF passwords using Adobe Acrobat:
Step 1. Open a PDF in Acrobat Pro DC on your PC.
Step 2. Go to Tools > Encrypt and choose Remove Security (choose No security from the Security Method drop-down menu).
Step 3. Open the Encrypt window again and set an open or permission password for your PDF file.
Step 4. Save the document to your device.
If you don't want to use Adobe, read the article below, which gives you an all-around instruction to protect PDFs without Adobe Acrobat:
How to Password Protect a PDF without Adobe Acrobat
Read this guide to learn how to password protect a PDF without Adobe, including the methods to add a open password or a permission password.
READ MORE >#4. Change PDF Password with Smallpdf
The fourth method to change PDF passwords is to use an online tool that allows you to modify PDF passwords using a web browser. You can find a lot of online PDF editors that support updating PDF passwords. In this article, we will use Smallpdf to help you renew the password of PDF files. Let’s read on:
Step 1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Smallpdf’s official website.
Step 2. Click Tools > Unlock PDF on the homepage.
Step 3. Upload a PDF and type the password to remove security from it.
Step 4. After entering the password, you can download the unlocked PDF or continue editing. Choose Protect from the offered options.
Step 5. Type a new password and repeat it. Then, tap the Protect button to process.
Step 6. Download the PDF file and save it to your local folder.
The Bottom Line
This blog post has offered you a comprehensive guide to change PDF password. Whether you prefer desktop software or web-based tools, you can find a way out in this article. To update PDF passwords, you need to unlock a PDF in advance and encrypt it. Among the four methods, we highly recommend using SwifDoo PDF, which provides an easy-to-use and reliable method to protect PDF files. Free download it and master PDF editing now!
