To edit a locked PDF, unlock it with specialized software or a PDF editor, and then make changes using the built-in tools or convert it to a Word file. 

To edit a locked PDF, you first need to identify what kind of restriction it has, as some PDFs are protected with a password, while others limit editing, printing, or copying.

If you know the password, you can simply enter it after opening the file in PDF.net and edit it directly, or copy and paste the content into a Word file for further editing. If you don’t know the password, you will have to use specialized software.

In this article, we will delve further into the different types of PDF restrictions, ways to work around them, and common problems you might encounter when troubleshooting the issues.

“locked” means there are restrictions preventing you from fully accessing or editing the file

However, not all locked PDFs are the same; generally, there are password-protected PDFs and permission-restricted PDFs.

 require you to enter a password before you can open the file. This is the strongest form of locking because, without the correct password, you can’t even see the content. When you password-protect a PDF, you keep sensitive information secure from unauthorized viewers.

, on the other hand, allow you to open the file but restrict certain actions like printing, copying text, editing, or adding comments. These restrictions are set by the person who created the PDF to control how the content is shared.

PDFs are usually locked to protect sensitive data such as contracts, medical records, or financial documents. 

 is another common reason for doing so since publishers may lock PDFs to prevent unauthorized distribution of their work. Finally, locked PDFs help safeguard sensitive information so that only authorized users can access the content.

The types of restrictions often used for secured PDFs are:

which prevent users from printing the PDF or limit the number of pages they can print.

which keep users from copying and pasting the PDF’s content.

that block any changes to the document, such as 

, highlighting, or adding fillable fields.

which stop users from adding, editing, or deleting comments and annotations.

that disable the ability to fill out form fields within an 

unlock it by entering the password if you have it or use specialized tools to remove restrictions if you don’t

. Once you unlock your PDF, you can edit it, or convert it into a .docx file and make changes in Word.

Edit a Locked PDF if You Know the Password

Editing a locked PDF is easy if you know the password. To do so, follow these steps:

Upload your PDF by dragging and dropping it into the 

 and upload it from your device. Your file will open in a new browser like this:

Enter the password to unlock your PDF for editing.

Besides the PDF unlock tool, you can also edit your file by 

, freehand drawing, highlighting, and adding images.

Select the tool and then click anywhere on the page to activate it.

 automatically; for example, when you are editing a PDF e-book before publishing it for others to 

Edit a Locked PDF if You Don’t Know the Password

If you don’t have the password, your options to remove PDF passwords online are more limited and complicated. 

 can remove PDF restrictions or unlock permission-protected files.

However, you need to be cautious when choosing these, as it is important to 

to avoid risks such as data theft. Also, keep in mind that removing a PDF password online without permission can 

 to another format, such as .docx, is another way to edit the content of your file, and PDF.net comes in handy for this as well. However, keep in mind that you still need to unlock your PDF using one of the two methods above first.

Here’s how to convert your PDF to Docx:

 and upload your file. It will open like this:

Once converted, you can change the text as needed and then 

. For example, if you are the owner or have been given explicit consent by the owner, unlocking and editing the PDF is perfectly fine.

However, editing a locked PDF without permission may violate copyright laws, terms of use, or confidentiality agreements. If the document contains protected 

, sensitive information, or is clearly marked as restricted, bypassing its security can be illegal. When in doubt, it is best to 

There are three common issues that you might encounter when unlocking PDFs, and they are as follows:

Many unlocking attempts fail simply because 

. PDF passwords are case-sensitive and must be exact, including any special characters or spaces. So, if you mistype the password or use an outdated one, the PDF will remain locked.

This problem also often happens if the document owner has given you the wrong password by mistake or changed it to another one. Unfortunately, there is no way to guess or bypass a 

 without the correct one, so you will need to double-check your entry and verify the password with the source if possible.

 can also cause unlocking problems. Corruption can happen while downloading, saving, or transferring the document. It can damage the file so it 

When a PDF is corrupted, your viewer software might crash or fail to unlock it. In these cases, even having the right password won’t help. Repairing a corrupted PDF requires using specialized recovery tools or obtaining a fresh copy from the document owner.

PDFs can be secured with different levels of encryption, some of which are more complex than others. If your unlocking software 

doesn’t support the encryption type used

 on the PDF, it won’t be able to remove the restrictions or open the file.

This often happens with proprietary encryption standards, which are usually adopted by businesses, legal firms, and government agencies. To solve this, you may need to use more advanced software, update the one that you are using, or use the official software that created the PDF.

 lets you quickly unlock your document for easy editing. You can choose from the editor’s full suite of tools to insert images, reorder or remove pages, add annotations, and make other changes to customize your document exactly how you need it.

The key to editing a locked PDF is matching the method to the situation. When a password is available, unlocking is quick with a password-protected PDF editor; meanwhile, without the password, third-party services can be an effective workaround.

Regardless of the method, remember to always keep legal and ethical considerations in mind, especially when handling sensitive files. This way, you protect both the content and yourself.

#1. How do I edit a PDF that doesn't allow editing?

To edit a PDF that doesn’t allow editing, you can 

unlock it with the correct password using PDF.net 

Alternatively, you can copy and paste the PDF’s content to Word, make your changes, and then save it back as a PDF.

#2. Will unlocking a PDF damage the file?

will not damage the file if you use reputable software

 issues, though some complex elements may shift slightly when using certain third-party tools or during conversions.

#3. What’s the difference between a locked and an encrypted PDF?

The difference between a locked and encrypted PDF is that 

a locked PDF has restrictions on actions like editing or printing

uses password-based encryption to prevent unauthorized access to its content entirely

. Additionally, some PDFs can be both locked and encrypted.

How to Edit a Locked PDF: Easy Tools & Common Issues

This guide teaches you how to uncheck a box in a PDF regardless of whether it’s static or interactive with the help of PDF.net and other tools.

To uncheck a box in a PDF, you need to know whether the file is interactive or static. If the PDF allows editing, you can simply click the box to uncheck it. If it is a flattened or scanned file, you will need a PDF editor or convert the file to Word to remove the checkmark.

Checkboxes in PDFs are commonly used in forms, surveys, and applications to make data collection simple and structured. They help users select options quickly, but once a box is checked, unchecking it is not always straightforward.

If you have ever found yourself stuck with a checked one you can’t remove, this guide is for you. Below, we will show you the detailed steps to uncheck a box in a PDF using different tools and devices.

, but the approach depends on the type of PDF you are working with. Static PDFs are like digital printouts, where checkboxes are represented by images or shapes. You can’t click to check or uncheck these boxes without special editing software.

Interactive PDFs, on the other hand, are designed for user input. They include 

, such as checkboxes that you can click to check or uncheck directly. If the PDF is interactive, simply clicking the box will toggle it on or off.

To uncheck a box in a PDF, you can use Adobe Acrobat/Reader, an online PDF editor like PDF.net, or convert the PDF to Word and do so before saving it back as a PDF. Let’s take a closer look at each method:

Adobe Acrobat/Reader is handy if your PDF is editable or has interactive form fields. You can follow these three simple steps:

Click on the checkbox you want to uncheck to toggle the box off.

If you can’t click on the box, the PDF may be locked or have restricted permissions that prevent edits. In that case, you won’t be able to uncheck it without a password or permission from the creator.

Adobe Acrobat is supported on macOS and Windows, so you can uncheck a box in your PDF on Mac or PC.

 to uncheck boxes in fillable PDF forms, cover checkmarks in static PDFs, and add new unchecked boxes or shapes as needed. This tool is easy to use, as it does not require software installation and works directly in your browser.

Here is how to cover checkmarks in static PDFs:

If you want to add new unchecked boxes, take these steps:

from the left (Create Checkbox Widget) in the options that appear.

3. Click on the part of the page where you want the checkbox placed to put it there.

4. Customize your checkbox’s name, options, and style.

You can change the field’s fill color, border color, border style, border width, 

If you include text, you can change its font, size, color, and alignment.

 in the toolbar at the top of the page, click 

If you don’t want to uncheck a box in a PDF through Chrome, converting your file to Word is also an option.

Converting your PDF into an editable Word document is another effective method that makes it easier to uncheck a box in a PDF. You can do so with PDF.net in the following way:

3. Upload your PDF by dragging and dropping it in or clicking 

PDF.net will automatically convert the file for you; a window like this will appear:

Once you have the Word file, open it and locate the checkbox to uncheck it manually. Then, save the document and export it back to the 

What If You Can’t Uncheck the Box in a PDF?

If you can’t uncheck a box in your PDF, it is likely due to one of two reasons: the checkbox is part of a flattened, non-editable image, or the file is locked.

When a checkbox is part of a flattened PDF, it’s essentially part of the image and not an interactive element. In this case, you will need to use PDF editing software or OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools to convert the image into editable text.

If the PDF is locked and editing is restricted, you’ll need to get an unlocked version from the sender. For 

 that aren’t locked but still do not respond, try clearing the form fields. This can remove all user-entered data, including checked boxes, and return the form to its original state.

Uncheck Boxes in PDFs Easily with PDF.net

PDF.net gives you a simple way to fix checkboxes in your PDF. If you cannot uncheck a box because it is part of a flattened image, you can cover it with a white shape, and then add a new checkbox in the right spot.

, you can still make quick visual changes without needing advanced software. The tool works directly in your browser, so there is no need to download anything. Just upload your file, make your edits, and save the updated version in just a few minutes.

The key to unchecking a box in a PDF is knowing what type of PDF you are working with.

Interactive files can usually be edited with Adobe Reader or a tool like PDF.net. For non-editable files, covering the checkmark, converting the PDF to Word, or asking for an unlocked version are all valid options. So, in conclusion, with a bit of troubleshooting and the right approach, you can make the changes you need without having to recreate the entire file!

#1. Can I uncheck a box in a read-only PDF?

can uncheck a box in a read-only PDF if it is interactive and not locked

. Tools like PDF.net or Adobe Reader support this function. If the PDF is static, converting it to Word allows the box to be unchecked before exporting it again as a PDF. For scanned files, you should run OCR first.

#2. What if my PDF checkbox won’t deselect?

If your PDF checkbox won’t deselect, try clearing the form fields. If that does not work, you may need to refresh the file, reopen it, or repeat the process using a different tool.

#3. Is there a way to uncheck multiple boxes at once?

#4. Do all PDF viewers support checkbox editing?

Not all PDF viewers support checkbox editing

, but you can rely on PDF.net and Adobe Acrobat for this, as basic viewers may display the checkbox but not let you interact with it.

click anywhere outside the selected text or press the Escape key

. If the text remains highlighted, try switching tools (e.g., from 

) or clicking into a blank space in the document.

This guide teaches you how to uncheck a box in a PDF regardless of whether it’s static or interactive with the help of PDF.net and other tools. 

How to Uncheck a Box in a PDF: 3 Simple Methods

PDF text wrapping refers to the way text appears around other objects in the document and ensures your content looks neat. 

PDF text wrapping adjusts your text to fit within defined spaces, such as a cell or column, and is rather important for formatting reports and presentations.

If you work with these types of PDF documents often, you should know how to wrap text and troubleshoot common issues that arise in the process, such as fixed fields and font sizes. In this guide, we will walk you through all the specific steps and teach you how to do so easily. Read on!

keeps content nestled neatly within an object

 in the PDF instead of clashing or getting cut off. Thanks to it, you can still easily read your file regardless of the screen size. Additionally, on mobile devices, text wrapping can reduce the need for zooming in and out or scrolling horizontally, 

Editing PDFs is also easier with PDF text wrap—for example, when you share files for others to fill in. If you send a PDF form with a properly set multiline text field, the person completing it can type longer responses, and the text will wrap automatically. This 

Text wrapping happens automatically in Word and Google Docs, but in the 

, you need to set it up manually. The two main types of PDF text wrap are:

 Text flows within a paragraph or block of content.

 Text fits inside a designated box and wraps if there are multiple lines of content.

1. Open your PDF by dragging and dropping it into the 

 on the toolbar at the top of the page to activate the text editing tools.

3. Hover over the file to identify text boxes, which are indicated by purple dashed lines. Click the one you want to adjust.

4. Type normally to add text. Drag the white bars on the right or left sides of the text box to adjust the PDF text box size.

5. Change the font and its size or style if needed for a better fit.

 if you want to insert a new text box into your PDF. Simply select where you want it placed and start typing. To create a multiline PDF text box, press 

 in the top left corner to save your updated PDF.

To wrap text in Word, you should turn your PDF into a Word format first, which you can do with PDF.net’s 

 and select it from your device. PDF.net will convert your file automatically, and a box like this will appear:

Once you open the document in Word, text wrapping will be automatically set for regular paragraphs. For images and text boxes, select 

Shape Format > Wrap Text > More Layout Options 

 tab in the dialog box and set your values if you have multiple text boxes and want them to be the same size.

If you only have one text box, you can resize it easily by dragging its corners.

If you want to edit the text inside your text box, click 

Fixing PDF text wrapping issues helps you avoid cut-off sentences, text boxes, and layouts that look unprofessional. Most problems stem from the way text boxes are set up, the font size you choose, or whether the document is a scanned image.

is one of the easiest ways to fix wrapping issues when you insert text in PDF forms and templates. Many PDFs, especially older ones, use single-line fields that do not allow text to wrap. As a result, any content that goes beyond the box width may get cut off.

, and don’t forget to test it by typing a sentence or two to make sure the text wraps correctly.

 is another effective way to fix PDF text wrapping issues. If your text is scrunched up in a box or overflowing, adjusting the font and spacing can help. Here is how to format text in a PDF:

 and click the text box you want to adjust.

Use the font size dropdown to choose a smaller size.

Increase the line spacing if the lines are too close together or overlapping; this makes the text easier to read.

Change the font to a clean option, such as Arial or Helvetica, if you are currently using a decorative style. 

 are typically better for text-heavy and tight layouts.

Type longer sentences to see how the text wraps to test the changes.

#3. OCR for Scanned PDFs with Wrapping Issues

 is essential when you need to edit or wrap text in files saved as images. Scanned PDFs do not contain selectable text, so trying to adjust or format them directly will not work.

 with OCR, you can replace any fixed-width boxes with multiline ones, adjust the font size and spacing to improve readability, and 

If you can’t edit the converted images directly, 

into Word, text wrap your content, and then 

 as a PDF. If you don’t have the option to save a file as PDF in your MS Word, use the 

Good PDF text formatting makes your files

 across devices. Here are four tips to help you maintain it:

, without relying solely on visual inspection. So, be sure to use these tools when 

 boxes to PDFs and keep everything evenly spaced and organized. Otherwise, your PDFs might look crooked and cluttered, which can reduce their credibility and potentially cause confusion.

Aligning text elements with consistent margins makes your PDF 

, be sure to position your text boxes so they line up evenly with your left and right margins.

 from section to section and prevents text from running too close to the page edges. If you skip this step, your layout can distract readers from your content, so to avoid this, use alignment tools to 

#3. Use Readable Fonts and Appropriate Sizes

Using readable fonts and appropriate sizes prevents PDF text wrapping and readability issues. It is best to choose 

, which display well on both paper and screen.

, as they take up more space and can be hard on the eyes. A font size of 

 is usually recommended for readability, but you can adjust this based on your PDF's purpose and audience.

#4. Keep the Layout Responsive for Viewing on Different Devices

 for viewing on different devices helps your PDF stay 

on phones, tablets, and desktops. You should avoid fixed-width text boxes or large images that force people to scroll side to side.

on a variety of devices and PDF readers to 

. This way, you’ll make sure the paragraphs flow correctly, the text remains within the margins, and the fonts remain legible on small screens.

Wrap, Format, and Finalize Your Files Easily With PDF.net

If you are tired of PDFs that cut off content or force everything onto a single line, 

 and spacing for better readability, as well as making sure every paragraph wraps neatly. With built-in tools for 

, editing, resizing text boxes, and converting to Word, you 

Additionally, you can easily format reports, forms, contracts, and 

 that are clean, readable, and ready to share. 

 and take the frustration out of formatting today!

Now that you know how to wrap text in a PDF, fix layout issues, and clean up formatting with PDF.net, you no longer have to deal with messy files. A few simple tweaks, like adjusting fonts, resizing boxes, or converting to Word, can completely change how your PDF looks and feels.

Additionally, remember that, if your file still needs some polishing, you can always open it in PDF.net and let our tools do the job for you!

you can add an image over it, draw over it, or delete it entirely using PDF.net

, place a rectangle in a color that matches your PDF’s background.

, select a suitable stroke thickness and color, then draw over the content.

, hover over the content you want to remove, click on it to activate editing mode, and press 

#2. How do I make text go to the next line in a fillable PDF?

 on the toolbar at the top of the page, select the text box, and click 

#3. How do I make sure text wraps automatically?

To make sure text wraps automatically, convert your PDF to Word, check if your wrapping settings are correct, then re-save the Word file as a PDF. This helps preserve proper line breaks and ensures your text does not overlap or run off the page.

#4. What is the best way to fit long text if it will not wrap?

The best way to fit long text if it will not wrap is to 

reduce the font size or resize the text box to create more space

. You can also adjust line spacing to fit longer text without overflow. If needed, split the content into separate text boxes.

PDF Text Wrap Made Simple: Fix Overflow & Format Like a Pro

Discover how to spell-check a PDF via three methods: by converting the file to DOCX, using OCR for scans, and manually reviewing the text. 

Knowing how to spell-check a PDF is rather important for keeping your documents polished and professional. PDFs are used everywhere, from business proposals and reports to academic submissions and resumes, and even small errors can make a bad impression.

The challenge is that once a file is exported, spotting and fixing typos becomes much harder. This guide will walk you through practical ways to spell-check a PDF, including how to handle editable vs. scanned files, free tools you can use, and tips to make quick fixes without starting from scratch.

When learning how to spell-check a PDF, you will need to understand that, unlike Word or Google Docs, 

 is generally considered a final format for consistent viewing and printing, not for editing or writing.

Edit PDF

How to Edit a Locked PDF: Easy Tools & Common Issues

How to Uncheck a Box in a PDF: 3 Simple Methods

PDF Text Wrap Made Simple: Fix Overflow & Format Like a Pro

How to Spell-Check a PDF: 3 Easy Methods to Fix Typos and Errors

PDF Missing Text: Here’s Why It Happens & How to Fix It

9 Best Fonts for Legal Documents + Professional Formatting Tips

How to Timestamp Your PDF In Minutes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are Online PDF Editors Safe? What Most Users Don’t Know

How to Edit PDF Files on Your Mobile: Edit PDFs Anywhere

How to Rotate a PDF Document in 6 Simple Steps with PDF.net