Python Requires Chilkat v11.7.0+

Extract Text from a Password-Protected PDF

See more PDF Text Extraction Examples

Demonstrates extracting text from a PDF that requires a password to open. The PDF loads without the password (its structure can be read), but the "text" operation fails because the content cannot be decrypted; "assess" reports that a password is required. With the UserPassword property set before loading, extraction works normally. Chilkat2-Python

import sys
import chilkat2

success = False

# This example requires the Chilkat API to have been previously unlocked.
# See Global Unlock Sample for sample code.

# The PDF used in this example (user password: secret) is available at encrypted_user_password.pdf

pdf = chilkat2.Pdf()
json = chilkat2.JsonObject()
jsonOut = chilkat2.JsonObject()

# The PDF loads without its password: the file's structure is readable, so properties such as
# NumPages and the security settings are available...
success = pdf.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/encrypted_user_password.pdf")
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.LastErrorText)
    sys.exit()

# ...but the content cannot be decrypted, so extracting text fails.
success = pdf.ExtractText("text",json,jsonOut)
if (success == False):
    print("Cannot extract: " + pdf.LastErrorText)

# "assess" still works: it reports that a password is required and nothing else.
success = pdf.ExtractText("assess",json,jsonOut)
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.LastErrorText)
    sys.exit()

print("passwordRequired: " + str(jsonOut.BoolOf("quality.passwordRequired")))
print("rating: " + jsonOut.StringOf("quality.rating"))

# Set the password and load again.
pdf.UserPassword = "secret"
success = pdf.LoadFile("qa_data/pdf/encrypted_user_password.pdf")
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.LastErrorText)
    sys.exit()

success = pdf.ExtractText("text",json,jsonOut)
if (success == False):
    print(pdf.LastErrorText)
    sys.exit()

print(jsonOut.StringOf("text"))

# Sample output:

# Cannot extract: ChilkatLog:
#   ExtractText:
#     ...
#       The PDF is encrypted and could not be opened (wrong or missing password); its text cannot be read.
#     ...
# passwordRequired: true
# rating: none
# Board Minutes (Confidential)
# 
# The board met on 3 November 2026. Present: the chair, the treasurer and four members. The treasurer reported that spending for the season came in under budget.
# 
# The meeting closed at 8.45 p.m.