Merge or split a password-protected PDF
Understand permission restrictions and opening passwords before merging or splitting a protected document.
A PDF that opens freely but restricts editing differs from one that asks for a password before showing any pages. Permission-only protection is checked with an empty opening password; a document requiring an opening password shows an input on its file card. Files and passwords are not uploaded, and passwords are used only in device memory.
Step by step
- Choose Merge PDFs to join documents, or Split PDF to keep selected sections. Add the PDF and read the message on its file card.
- If only an editing-restriction notice appears, continue with your order or ranges. If prompted for an opening password, enter the password supplied by the document issuer and confirm it.
- If the password is incorrect, try again. Once the document is available, check its page count and set the merge order or split ranges.
- Run the operation and download the result. Output PDFs have no password, so check the save location and recipients of sensitive documents.
Tips and things to check
- This is not a tool for discovering or cracking someone else’s document password. Ask the issuer or owner if you do not know the opening password.
- There is no option to put a new password on the output. Check whether your recipient requires another protection method.
- Organize pages and PDF to images use the same opening-password process. Damaged or unsupported PDFs can still fail even with the right password.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there a restriction notice if no password is needed to open it?
A permissions password can restrict editing or printing separately from opening the file. PDF copies saved by this tool have those restrictions removed.
Will the password be remembered on my next visit?
No. It is not stored permanently. Removing the file or reopening the page may require you to enter it again.
Do the split files retain the original password?
No. PDFs produced by Merge, Split and Organize pages are saved without a password. Keep the original separately.