# Unlock PDF files: web app and CLI
## What it does
Removes password protection from PDF documents. The resulting file can be opened, printed, edited or shared without needing the original password.

## Inputs and limits
* Input: a single PDF file (maximum size 32 MB).  
* The password must be supplied; the tool does not attempt brute‑force cracking.  
* Output: the same PDF content without password protection.

## Web app
The page asks you to upload a locked PDF, enter the password, and click **Unlock**. After processing, the unlocked PDF is offered for download. The interface includes a text field labeled “Type password”. The description states that the service does not store files beyond 24 hours and does not keep passwords.

## Command line (CLI)
The `UnlockPdf` CLI plugin removes password protection from a PDF placed in the task’s input folder. It writes the unlocked PDF to the task’s output folder. ```bash
# Linux / macOS (needs the .NET 10 runtime and documentize.lic next to the DLL)
export PLUGIN_INPUT_DIR=./work/input
export PLUGIN_OUTPUT_DIR=./work/output
mkdir -p "$PLUGIN_INPUT_DIR/job1"
cp sample.pdf "$PLUGIN_INPUT_DIR/job1/"
dotnet Documentize.UnlockPdf.dll --task-id job1
ls "$PLUGIN_OUTPUT_DIR/job1"
```

```powershell
# Windows PowerShell
$env:PLUGIN_INPUT_DIR  = "$PWD\work\input"
$env:PLUGIN_OUTPUT_DIR = "$PWD\work\output"
New-Item -ItemType Directory -Force "$env:PLUGIN_INPUT_DIR\job1" | Out-Null
Copy-Item sample.pdf "$env:PLUGIN_INPUT_DIR\job1\"
dotnet Documentize.UnlockPdf.dll --task-id job1
Get-ChildItem "$env:PLUGIN_OUTPUT_DIR\job1"
```

## Verified

Every code sample on this page was run on 2026-11-03 and its result was checked:

- Unlock PDF (no password) via CLI (CLI plugin): passed in 4 s