3 Simple Ways to Copy a Secured PDF

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Easy ways to duplicate a password-protected PDF to your desktop
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Do you want to copy text from a password-protected PDF document? When a PDF is edit-locked with a password, you'll be unable to copy the text in most PDF viewers. If a PDF is secured with a server-based security policy, you will most likely not be able to bypass the security unless given permission by the admin. However, if you know the password and have proper permissions, you'll be able to open the document and create a new, unsecured PDF. Avoid using third-party PDF unlock tools as this can put your secured PDF at risk. This wikiHow will teach you how to copy text from a secured PDF file on your PC or Mac computer.

How to Save a Copy of a Secured PDF

For a secured PDF, you must have the password and proper permissions in order to open and copy it. When you're using Chrome, open the PDF, then click the "Print" icon. Select "Save as PDF", then "Save". For Acrobat Pro, open the PDF file and enter the password.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Google Chrome

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  1. Google Chrome is the app that has an image of a red, green, and yellow wheel with a blue dot in the middle.
    • Download Google Chrome , if you haven't already done so.
    • Google Chrome is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
    • This method will only work if you have the password and the PDF is not edit-locked.
  2. This will open the PDF in a new Google Chrome tab.
    • Alternatively, you can right-click the PDF file, click Open with and select Google Chrome .
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  3. A new window will appear with Password required . You must enter the correct password to view the protected document.
  4. It's the icon that resembles a printer in the upper-right corner of the page.
    • A Print window will open.
  5. This will open a drop-down menu.
  6. This will change the destination so that the file saves as a new PDF file, instead of printing.
    • For Windows, you can also use Microsoft Print to PDF . This will have the same outcome.
  7. It's the blue button at the bottom-right corner.
    • A new window will open.
  8. Select the folder or location you want to save the file to, then click the "Save" button. It's in the lower-right corner of the file browser window.
    • If you want to give the PDF a different file name than the original, type it in the bar labeled "File name."
  9. Navigate to the file you just saved to your computer and double-click it to open it. It will open in your default PDF viewer as a non-secured PDF.
    • You won't need a password to open this new PDF.
  10. Click the cursor and drag it to the end of the text you want to copy to highlight it. You can then right-click the text and then select "Copy", or if you are using a Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse or trackpad, you can click the trackpad or mouse with two fingers and then select "Copy".
    • You can also copy the desired text by pressing CTRL + C on Windows, or Command + C on Mac.
    • Your PDF will be unlocked.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

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  1. You need Adobe Acrobat Pro to remove a password. Adobe Acrobat Reader will not let you remove the password. [1]
    • If needed, you can install Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat is available on Windows and Mac.
    • To use Adobe Acrobat Pro, you must have an active subscription or use the free trial. You can always cancel the subscription at any time.
    • This method will only work if you have the password and proper permissions.
  2. It's located in the upper-left corner of the app in the menu bar. This will open a new drop-down menu.
  4. Navigate to your secured PDF and double-click it to open.
    • If Adobe Acrobat is your default PDF viewer , you can double-click the file directly to open it.
  5. If you do not know the password for the PDF, you will not be able to change the security settings in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
    • Your PDF will open.
  6. This will be next to a shield icon, above More Tools .
    • If you don't see Protect , click the Tools at the top toolbar. Scroll down and click Protect .
    • You will see: Protect Using Password , Remove Hidden Information , and Advanced Options .
  7. This will open a drop-down menu.
  8. You can find this at the bottom of the drop-down menu, next to a padlock icon.
    • A new prompt will appear confirming your choice.
  10. Password protection will be removed from the PDF.
  11. Click the cursor and drag it to the end of the text you want to copy to highlight it. You can then right-click the text and then select "Copy", or if you are using a Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse or trackpad, you can click the trackpad or mouse with two fingers and then select "Copy".
    • You can also copy the desired text by pressing CTRL + C on Windows, or Command + C on Mac.
    • Your PDF will be unlocked.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Preview (Mac)

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    • Aside from PDF editing, you can also use Preview to edit photos or highlight documents.
    • This method will only work if you have the password and proper permissions.
    • You can also double-click the file directly to open it with Preview.
  4. If you do not know the owner password for the PDF, you will not be able to change the security settings in Preview.
    • Your PDF will open.
  6. A new window will open.
  7. Make sure the box in unchecked. This will be at the very bottom of the window.
  9. Select the folder or location you want to save the file to, then click the "Save" button. It's in the lower-right corner of the file browser window.
    • If you want to give the PDF a different file name than the original, type it in the bar labeled Export As .
  10. Navigate to the file you just saved to your computer and double-click it to open it. It will open in your default PDF viewer as a non-secured PDF.
    • You won't need a password to open this new PDF.
  11. Click the cursor and drag it to the end of the text you want to copy to highlight it. You can then right-click the text and then select "Copy", or if you are using a Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse or trackpad, you can click the trackpad or mouse with two fingers and then select "Copy".
    • You can also copy the desired text by pressing CTRL + C on Windows, or Command + C on Mac.
    • Your PDF will be unlocked.
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      • If a PDF is edit-locked by an admin, the admin will need to change permissions. Otherwise, you won't be able to copy the secured PDF.
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      • If you don't have the password, you can try QPDF . This is a third-party program that can change the structure of PDF files.
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      • With third-party applications, always be wary of malware and compromised information.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/how-to/unlock-pdf.html

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