Question: How could I open or print or read password-protected PDF files?This isn't cheating, I suppose. I just found out that password protected PDF documents/files could actually be unlocked or the password could be cracked. Stupid me. With all the blogging I do everyday, how could I not think of it?
Opps, cracking the security code isn't bad all the time. For instance, an ex-colleague did critical departmental reports in PDF format but he/she is not connected with the company anymore. In his/her absence, the only option you've got to open, read or print the PDF file, is to crack the PDF password (not exactly knowing the password but only removing the restrictions). Convinced?
Let's go to a more serious issue. When there author restricted the copying or printing feature, here is what you'd gonna do:
1. Printing only a couple of pages from the PDF document - Capture the PDF page as an image using any available free screen capture software. There are few free download software I would recommend: FastStone Screen Capture, Snippy, and Screen Hunter. Or try SnagIt, it has this very powerful autoscroll and could capture multiple pages of the document in one click.
2. What about copying just a portion of text from the PDF page? - Use a screen capture tool with OCR features (like Kleptomania). The OCR features would allow you to capture screen text, error messages, windows dialogs and text anywhere on the screen from any Windows program that otherwise cannot be saved or printed. You can use Capture Text trial version.
3. If you have money to spend, buy the Advanced PDF Password Recovery from ElcomSoft or the PDF Password Remover from Very PDF.
Very important note on legal issues: You maybe surprised to know that these PDF password-cracking software are ABSOLUTELY LEGAL. Microsoft even awarded ElcomSoft a Gold Certified Partner status.
So, ready now for some cracking?
Thanks.
Labels: PhD blog
5 Comments:
Well, there is also an easier method for printing print-protected PDF. Copistar outomatically captures on-screen pages and outputs them into a printable pdf file.
Of course, if you can always OCR those later.
October 29, 2007 9:52 AM
Want to print a protected PDF??? Forget about complicated software, and spending money!!!! Upload it to Google Docs, and there is a "print" link... full quality!!!
... You are welcome.
July 10, 2008 9:34 AM
Excellent post mr/mrs anonymous. I have to agree. Google documents is a simple, neat and witty trick. Works like a charm.
July 16, 2008 7:34 PM
It appears google has amended this. I get a 404 message when trying to upload a secure document.
September 15, 2008 10:30 AM
Yup, that option seems to be gone: "Not a valid PDF file."
October 21, 2008 9:07 AM
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