How to Print Secured PDF Files

PDFs can have restrictions on them that prevent you from doing much. One of them is the printing restriction that is enabled when a password is used to protect the password. These things can now be undone, and you don't need to stay in the office paralyzed by a stuck PDF document.

Let's see some of the reasons why you need to print such PDF files and how you can unlock PDF and print it without any restrictions. If you have a forgotten PDF password case, keep reading to see some of the best hacks you can deploy.

When Will You Need to Print Secured PDF Files?

You cannot remove the password from PDF, but you want it as a hard copy. This is a scenario that we often meet in our daily lives. You could be in className, and you want to print notes embedded on a PDF for reading when you are not near a screen.

It also happens in workplaces or when you want to get some confidential information in printable format. This is where the PDF unlock ideas come into play. The document could either have a password that restricts the printing or it may be locked from printing and modification.

We don't want you to use our solutions to print things you shouldn't. When the need arises, here are the solutions you can use to print the document and disable the security embedded.

How to Print a Secured PDF?

The first method is a way to unlock PDF online using the CocoDoc solution. It's a foolproof method that only involves your internet connection since you don't need to install anything here.

It also has a trial period that you can use to unlock PDF for printing and see if it works. Once you load the CocoDoc website and access the tools on it, perform the following:

Step 1: Visit the PDF to Word conversion page using the link provided in the tools section. Next, upload the secured PDF using the "Choose File" button.

After that, click "Continue".

Step 2: In a few seconds, the page to download the converted document will appear. Use the "Download" button to get the converted document. This time, it will have no printing restrictions or passwords on it.

Step 3: Proceed to print the file as a Word document. There will be no distortion on it. You can also share the URL.

NB: You can also use CocoDoc to convert to other document formats as long as they can go to the printer. In short, there are many ways to kill the PDF rat here.

How to Print a Protected PDF with Google Docs?

The next method involves how to print secured PDF using the Google Docs we see on the G-Suite package. We will also involve Google Drive a bit here for easy fetching of the document when using the Docs app.

Step 1: Upload the secure PDF on Google Drive.

After that, right-click on it and go to the "Open with" option.

Step 2: Select the Google Docs option and let the file open. Conversion will also take place in the process. Once you open it that way, the protection on the file will be gone.

Step 3: Now, print the file using the Docs, and you will be good to go.

NB: If you want to get the file again as a PDF, still without the restrictions, use Docs to download the file as a PDF in the File section. Another way to print the PDF without going through the Docs method is by opening the PDF in Google Drive.

Next, print or download and get a free version on your device.

How to Print a Protected PDF with Adobe Acrobat?

If you want to print a secured PDF on your computer, you can use the Adobe Acrobat method. We need to warn you, though, that you need the password for this procedure to work.

Acrobat Pro can, however, ensure that protection on the PDF file goes away completely once you follow the required steps. They involve the following:

Step 1: Open the PDF using Adobe Acrobat. If you don't have it, you will need to download it first. Once opened, you will notice that the print icon is disabled.

Step 2: Go to the Tools section and click on "Protect" > "Advanced Options" > and then "Remove Security".

Step 3: There will be a prompt asking you for the password. Enter it and then click "OK". Proceed to click "OK" once more in the next pop-up to unlock the PDF.

Step 4: Proceed to press the print icon for printing or use Ctrl/Command + P shortcut to send the document to the printer.

Conclusion

The methods above are used depending on preference and the situation at hand. For example, if you don't have the password, you need the unlock PDF solutions like CocoDoc for a workaround.

If you have the password but would like to withdraw the restrictions, Adobe Acrobat and such powerful tools can help you get the restrictions off and proceed to print.

How to Print Secured PDF Files FAQ

Are there other ways to use it if I cannot unlock the PDF using Acrobat Pro?

Yes, there are, and we have discussed some of the above. If you need to pay or not, and the method used to get the free document version are the differences. If you want it done quickly without a password prompt, use platforms like CocoDoc.

If I decide to convert the PDF file, is the information distorted?

That depends on the solution you use. If you convert using CocoDoc, the document will remain the same as it was. The only change will be the document format.

Is converting PDF documents illegal?

That's a yes and no question. If you know that you are not breaking the law by printing the PDF, converting and removing the printing restrictions is okay.

Can I protect the PDF again after unlocking it?

Yes, you can. If it's already converted, you can revert to the PDF and use apps like Adobe Acrobat to restrict and protect. If you decide to go online, CocoDoc can help you protect the PDF using the "Protect PDF" tool.