How to Print A Read Only PDF File? Know Manual and Automated Solution

Admin | PDF Management PDF Unlocker Software Technology | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 10-07-2026

Nowdays, PDF are available everywhere. Be it banking sector, Government departments, medical fields, education sector, we get to see PDF documents in every field. To make them secure, they are protected with password securities. Many times, you have seen that the PDF file you received are opened easily, but they have the print option disabled on them. These types of files are read-only documents which are ready to be opened, viewed, read. But they come with certain restrictions, or we can say disabled functions. For example, you can’t print the file because the print button is disabled. Now, the question arises is can you print a read only PDF? If yes, then how to make a read only PDF printable?

User Query

“I received some important files in PDF file format. But, when I tried to print them in Acrobat Reader, many of them had printing option disabled (the print button is greyed out). When I reported the matter to my senior, he told me that these files have security passwords applied on them. Finally, we came to the conclusion to first remove this printing security from all these files using some software. I tried a few of them, but all of them asked me to enter permission password which I don’t have. Can you please guide me how to print a read only pdf file without password.

Note : Well, it is very uncommon that some users have access to both the Adobe Acrobat Pro  Edition and permission passwords. Many of them can’t even afford to purchase the licensed version of Adobe Acrobat, even if they know the permission passwords. And it’s vice versa too, where users have Adobe Acrobat Pro edition, but they don’t know the permission password. So, to help such users, we have come up with a unique automated solution that unlocks unlimited PDF files within in blink of an eye. It’s a trustworthy application that provides accurate output results without any data loss and successfully transforms a read only PDF into print-ready document.

How to Print Read Only Document – Know Step By Step Process

• Download, launch and install PDF Unlocker Tool
• Add PDF files using Add Files/Add Folders options
• Once the files are loaded on software panel, check them for verification. You can also remove any or all of them using Remove/Remove All buttons
• Now choose your desired destination location to save the resultant files
• Press Unlock button to start the process to make read only PDF printable. Enter the user password when asked to provide, and click OK to continue with the process
• After successful completion of the process, a new message window will open showing the message “Process completed successfully”.

Outstanding Features of PDF Password Remover Tool

• Supports batch mode feature to unlock multiple PDF files at once
• Simple GUI provides helpful experience for both technical and non-technical users
• Remove/Remove All button allows removing unnecessary PDF files from software panel
• Successfully removes permission password and enables printing, editing, copying rights
• Supports all editions PDF files – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2017, DC, 11 etc.
• Doesn’t need Adobe Acrobat on users’ system to perform required task
• Works efficiently with all Windows OS editions – 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 etc.

How to Print A Read Only Document Manually

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a complete professional tool that permits users to accomplish multiple tasks with ease. But to avail all its features in its entirety, you must have its full edition. Although, trial version is also there, but it is valid for up to 7 days only.

Now, follow these steps to understand how to print a read only PDF file

• Open Read only PDF file using Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Go to File showing on the Menu bar and for there, choose Properties
• Now choose Security tab showing in the Document properties dialog box
• Tap on the down arrow of Security Method box to replace Password Security with No Security Setting
• You are now prompted to enter the permission password to remove printing and other restrictions from the read only PDF file. Click on OK button the finalize the changes.
• Again, go to File >> Save option for saving the document at your destination location.
• Finally, you are ready to easily print the PDF file without any worries.

Use Google Chrome to Print A Read Only PDF

In case you are unable to print read only PDF despite having the accessibility permissions, then Google Chrome can be your go-to solution. Follow these steps to remove print restriction from your PDF files.

• Open your PDF document in Google Chrome, enter password if prompted
• Press Ctrl + P or tap on Print icon on the top right corner.
• Choose “Microsoft Print to PDF” and hot Print button
• Select the destination to save the PDF and hit Save button.

Note : Repeat the process again for each PDF file.

Limitations of Manual Methods

• Time-consuming for multiple PDF files as manual method do not support batch processing.
• Risk of data loss or document formatting issues as it may not preserve all document properties and reduce the quality of the PDF.
• Requires technical knowledge, not suitable for non-technical users.
• Manual processes can be repetitive and inefficient.
• Password-protected PDFs require correct password or permission from the owner.
• Not suitable for large sized PDF documents.

Final Words

In this blog, we have discussed about various available methods to make read only PDF to printable document. If you have access to the full version of Adobe Acrobat Reader and permission password, then you can go with the manual method using Adobe Reader. Otherwise, it is suggested to go with the automated, professional utility that will provide guaranteed solution to print, edit, copy, read only PDF documents.