How to Print Locked PDF [Easily & Safely]

Ever wondered how to print locked PDF file? You're not alone. In today's digital world, PDFs are widely used for sharing documents across various industries. However, there are times when you might encounter a locked PDF, which is protected from editing, copying, or printing. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to print a document but find that it is secured.

Don't worry! In this guide, we will explore different methods to help you print locked PDF safely and easily. Whether you're wondering, "How can I print a secured PDF?" or "How to print protected PDF?", we've got you covered!

Why Can't You Print a Locked PDF?

PDFs can be locked for a variety of reasons. Typically, the document's creator has set certain permissions to prevent unauthorized access or misuse. These restrictions might include:

• Printing Protection: Some PDFs are locked to prevent printing to maintain control over how the document is distributed.
• Editing Restrictions: Preventing modifications ensures the integrity of the content.
• Copying Limitations: Users cannot copy text or images from the PDF.
• Password Protection: A password may be required to unlock the document.

The intention behind locking PDFs is often to protect the document's content, but it can cause inconvenience if you need to print the document. Fortunately, there are several ways to bypass or unlock the print restrictions without compromising the document's security or violating copyright laws. Keep reading to explorer in the next part.

5 Methods to Print Locked PDFs in Minutes

1Print Locked PDF Using PDF Password Remover

One of the most efficient ways to print a locked PDF is to remove the password or unlock the printing restrictions. With PDFull's powerful PDF Password Remover, you can easily unlock the protected PDF file. This tool is user-friendly and ensures no formatting loss while removing the restrictions.

Here's how to use PDFull for this purpose:

Open PDFull and upload the locked PDF document by clicking on "Open Files."

Navigate to the tool bar, select "Editor > Security", and choose the PDF Password Remover tool.

Enter the open password first (if required) and unlock the secured PDF file tapping "Remove Password" button.

Once unlocked, you can print the PDF as usual, with all the restrictions removed.

This method allows you to retain the original formatting and layout of the document while removing any print protection.

2Using Online PDF Unlocking Tools

Another simple way to print locked PDF is by using an online PDF unlocking tool like ILovePDF and Smallpdf. Such websites offer free services that allow you to remove restrictions from PDF documents. However, these tools may have certain limitations, such as file size restrictions or the number of files you can unlock at once.

Here's how to print protected PDF with ILovePDF:

Visit ILovePDF or any similar PDF unlocking service.

Upload your locked PDF file.

Click on Unlock PDF and wait for the tool to process the file.

Download the unlocked PDF and print it without any restrictions.

3Print Protected PDF in Google Chrome

Besides using PDF unlocker tools, did you know that Google Chrome can help you print a locked PDF? Well, if the PDF is locked for printing but is not password-protected, you are able to bypass this restriction by opening it in Chrome.

Here's how to print a locked PDF in Chrome:

Drag the PDF file into an open Chrome browser window or right-click the file and select Open With > Google Chrome.

Once the document is open, press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac) to open the print dialog. Moreover, you can also click on a small Printer icon in the top right-hand corner.

Make sure the destination is "Save as PDF", then click "Save" to print the document.

This method may not work if the document has a password or heavy restrictions, but it's worth trying if you're dealing with a less-secure locked PDF.

4Convert Locked PDF to Word for Printing

In addition to unlocking PDF file for printing immediately, another feasible method is to convert the locked PDF to an editable Word document and then print it. PDFull's PDF-to-Word converter can easily handle this task without losing formatting.

Here's how to convert and print the PDF:

Open PDFull and use the PDF to Word conversion tool.

Upload your locked PDF and tick OCR Settings for more eaxact recognization, then Convert it into a Word document.

Open the converted Word document, and now you can freely print the content without any restrictions.

This method works best when you need to extract the content for printing and doesn't require you to retain the PDF format.

5Take Screenshots and Print Images

If the above methods do not work, you can resort to a more manual approach—taking screenshots of the locked PDF and printing them as images. This is a time-consuming process but can be effective if you only need a small portion of the document or if other methods fail.

Steps to do this:

Open the locked PDF in a PDF reader.

Take screenshots of the pages you need to print.

• On Windows: Use the Snipping Tool or press Windows + Shift + S to capture a specific area of the screen.
• On Mac: Press Command + Shift + 4 to capture a selected portion of the screen.

Save the screenshots and print them as image files.

While this method won't allow you to print the entire document at once, it's useful in situations where only a few pages are needed.

FAQ About Unlocking PDF File for Printing

1Can I Secure My PDF Again After Printing?

Yes! After printing a locked PDF, you can reapply security settings to the document, including setting printing restrictions, password protection, or redacting sensitive information. Tools like PDFull allow you to encrypt PDFs or add passwords after you've finished printing to ensure the document remains secure.

2How to Print a Locked PDF on Mac or Windows?

The methods mentioned above, such as using PDFull for unlocking, or printing directly from Google Chrome, are applicable on both Windows and Mac. The steps are essentially the same on either platform, as the tools work cross-platform.

3Are Online PDF Unlocking Tools Safe to Use?

While many online PDF unlocking tools are convenient, they may not always guarantee the security of your data. Using a trusted tool like PDFull, which provides both privacy and encryption, is a safer alternative. Always read the privacy policy of any online tool before uploading sensitive documents.

4Can I Print Locked PDF Files on Mobile Devices?

Yes, it's possible to print locked PDFs on mobile devices, though it may require using certain apps. For instance, PDF editors or password removal tools available in the app stores (like PDF Expert for iOS) can unlock a PDF file before printing. Keep in mind, using online services may be riskier on mobile devices due to potential security concerns.

Final Words

In a word, there are various solutions available to print locked PDF, including PDFull's password remover, online tools, and other workarounds like converting the document to Word. Knowing how to print locked PDF document can save you time and frustration, especially when you encounter files that are password-protected or restricted from printing. Just remember that, always ensure you are complying with any legal or copyright restrictions when unlocking PDF files.