PDF Tools
Unlock PDF Online Free
Use a known PDF password to inspect the document, understand what a browser-generated copy can preserve, and create a password-free visual compatibility PDF only when that trade-off is acceptable.
PDF access & compatibility workspace
Inspect the PDF first, validate a known password when needed, see what the browser can preserve, and only then create a password-free compatibility copy.
Choose PDF
Maximum 25 MB · up to 40 pages
What this tool does — and does not do
FormatForge can validate a password through the browser PDF reader and create a new page-rendered PDF. It does not crack passwords, bypass access controls, or promise structure-preserving removal of PDF encryption. If preserving searchable text, forms, digital signatures, accessibility structure or attachments matters, use a PDF application designed for authorized structural decryption.
Real-world workflow
When this tool is useful
Known-password archive copy
You have an older protected PDF, know the password and need a simple viewable copy for internal reference.
Compatibility / device issue
A protected PDF opens inconsistently in another viewer and a visual fallback copy is acceptable.
Pre-flight inspection
You need to know whether the source contains searchable text, form fields, annotations or attachments before deciding how to handle it.
Choose the right method
Compatibility copy vs structural decryption
| Need | This browser tool | Use a full PDF application instead |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the visual pages | Yes | Yes |
| Remove need for the source password in the new copy | Yes, by rebuilding pages | Usually |
| Preserve searchable text | No | Use structural decryption |
| Preserve forms and working links | No | Use structural decryption |
| Preserve digital signature/certification state | No | Do not rebuild the signed document |
| Recover an unknown password | No | Not supported by FormatForge |
Frequently asked questions
Can FormatForge recover a PDF password I do not know?
No. This tool does not guess, recover or crack unknown passwords. It is intended for PDFs you own or are authorized to modify when you know the required password.
Will the compatibility copy keep searchable text and links?
No. The fallback compatibility copy is page-rendered. It preserves the visual pages but does not preserve searchable text, working links, forms, attachments or digital signature state.
Why does FormatForge inspect the PDF first?
Inspection shows page count, extractable text, form fields, annotations/links and attachments so you can decide whether a flattened copy is acceptable before creating it.
Does the PDF leave my browser?
The inspection and compatibility rebuild are designed to run locally in your browser. Review your organisation's policy before processing confidential or regulated documents.