JoeCode

TIL: use QPDF to remove PDF restrictions

Jun 21, 2023

qpdf --decrypt encrypted_document.pdf decrypted_document.pdf

This command will remove “Permission Passwords”, the kind that restrict printing, modifying, and copying content.

Use a hash cracking tool (pdfcrack or John) to remove “Document Open Password” or “User Password” protection.

Resources

PDF Cracking Resources