Unlock a PDF

Remove the password from a PDF you already have the password for. FileAlloy decrypts protected PDFs through a fast, private API: send the file and its current password, get an open PDF back. Files and passwords are processed in memory and never stored, and there is a free tier to start.

Files and passwords are processed in memory and never stored.

How to use Unlock a PDF

Get a free API key Create an account at app.filealloy.com and generate a key. The free plan is enough to start.
POST your PDF and password Send the protected file to /v1/unlock with your key and the current password.
Get an open PDF An unprotected PDF comes straight back in the response, ready to use freely.

Why FileAlloy

Removes the password

Strips the encryption so the PDF opens without a prompt, as long as you supply the current password.

Same document, no lock

Content, layout, and quality are untouched. Only the password requirement is removed.

Nothing retained

The file and password are used only to unlock in memory, then both are discarded with the response.

Private by default

Unlocking happens on EU servers with no data retention, so your documents stay yours.

Do it at scale with the API

Removing known passwords from documents in a workflow? The same operation is a single call to /v1/unlock, so you can batch and automate it with no browser.

curl -X POST https://api.filealloy.com/v1/unlock \
  -H "X-API-Key: fa_live_your_key" \
  -F "file=@protected.pdf" \
  -F "password=current-password" \
  -o unlocked.pdf

Get an API key

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the current password?

Yes. You must supply the correct password. This removes a password you already know, it does not crack unknown passwords.

What happens to the document?

The content is unchanged. Only the encryption is removed, so the PDF opens without a prompt.

Is my password stored?

No. The file and password are processed in memory and deleted immediately after the response.

What is the endpoint?

POST /v1/unlock with the PDF and its current password as multipart form data.

Can I add a password again later?

Yes, use the Protect endpoint to re-encrypt the PDF with a new password.

Is there a free option?

Yes. The free plan includes a monthly request quota, with sub-cent pricing above it.