This wikiHow shows you how to copy text from a protected PDF file to a Windows or Mac computer. Most PDF readers do not allow you to copy text when the file is password protected against modification. If you don't know the password, you can try saving it with Google Chrome or unlocking it through the SmallPDF site. If you know it, you can unlock the PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro. These methods only work if you can view and print the PDF without the need for a password.
If the PDF is encrypted and password protected (so that the file cannot be read), it is most likely impossible to bypass the lock
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Google Chrome
Step 1. Open Google Chrome
Google Chrome is the program with the red, green and yellow icon with a blue circle in the center.
Download Google Chrome if you haven't already
Step 2. Drag the PDF to Google Chrome
The file will appear inside a new Chrome tab.
Step 3. Click on
Click on the icon depicting a printer, at the top right.
Step 4. Click Edit…
It is located in the left sidebar, below the target printer.
Step 5. Click Save as PDF
It is found in the destination selection menu. By doing so, the file will be saved as a new PDF instead of being printed.
Step 6. Click Save
It's a blue button in the left sidebar.
Step 7. Choose a location and click Save
Select the folder or destination where you want to save the file, then press "Save". The button is located at the bottom right of the "Explorer" window.
If you want to rename the new file, type it in the bar labeled "File Name"
Step 8. Open the new PDF
Locate the file you just saved and open it with a double click. The new unlocked PDF will be displayed in the default PDF viewer.
Step 9. Copy the desired text
Click on the slider and drag it to the end of the text you want to copy to highlight it. Right click on the highlighted text and select "Copy". If you are using a Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse or trackpad, you can click with two fingers and select "Copy".
You can also copy the desired text by pressing Ctrl + C on Windows, or ⌘ Command + C on Mac
Method 2 of 3: Using a Website
Step 1. Go to Unlock-pdf
You can use any browser on a PC or Mac.
Step 2. Click Choose File
It is located below the PDF icon, in the pink rectangle.
You can also drag and drop the protected PDF file into the pink box
Step 3. Select the file
Find the PDF you want to unlock and click on it.
Step 4. Click Open
It is located in the lower right pane of the "Explorer" window.
Step 5. Click and check the box
Check the box on the right, where it says "I pinky swear that I have the right to edit this file and remove its protection".
Step 6. Click on Unlock PDF
It's the pink button on the right of the box in the center of the screen.
Step 7. Click Download File Now
The button is located in the lower left pane. Doing so will start downloading the unprotected PDF.
Step 8. Open the PDF you just downloaded
If the default setting has not been changed, the downloaded files are saved in the "Download" folder.
Step 9. Copy the desired text
Click on the slider and drag it to the end of the text you want to copy to highlight it. Right click on the highlighted text and select "Copy". If you are using a Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse or trackpad, you can perform a two-finger click and select "Copy".
You can also copy the desired text by pressing Ctrl + C on Windows, or ⌘ Command + C on Mac
Method 3 of 3: Using Adobe Acrobat Pro with Password
Step 1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro
To remove the password you need Adobe Acrobat Pro. It is not possible to remove it with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Step 2. Click on File
It is located at the top left, in the program menu bar.
Step 3. Click Open
It is found in the Adobe Acrobat Pro File menu.
Step 4. Double click the PDF
Locate the location of the protected PDF and double-click it to open it.
Step 5. Click on the lock icon
It is located on the left side of the screen.
If the PDF is protected by a "user password", you will be prompted to enter it
Step 6. Click Authorization Details
It is located under the "Security Settings" heading.
Step 7. Select No Security in the "Security Method" menu
Use the drop-down menu and select "No protection".
Step 8. Type your password
If you don't know the PDF password, you won't be able to change the security settings in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Step 9. Click Ok
By doing so, the PDF will be saved unprotected.
Step 10. Click Ok again
Click "Ok" again to confirm that you want to save the PDF without any protection. Now you can copy the text.
Step 11. Copy the desired text
Click on the slider and drag it to the end of the text you want to copy to highlight it. Right click on the highlighted text and select "Copy". If you are using a Mac with an Apple Magic Mouse or trackpad, you can perform a two-finger click and select "Copy".
