Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use PDFKey Pro?


PDFKey Pro is very easy to use. Simply drag your PDF file (or files, or folders) to either the 'Unlock' or 'Lock' icons. If you are trying to lock files, PDFKey Pro will ask you the passwords to use and the actions you wish to disable. PDFKey Pro will then start working on your PDFs. An activity monitor will show you that PDFKey Pro is working (small files won't dislay this dialog because they'll be processed before you know it). The resulting files will be placed in the directory chosen in the application preference panel (by default the same folders as the original files) with the same name as the originals, plus an added postfix of either _unlocked or _locked. Also included with PDFKey Pro are powerful automation tools for the command line.


What are PDFKey Pro's Demonstration Limitations?


When in demonstration mode, PDFKey Pro will process only the first page of your documents. Demonstration mode is intended to give you an idea of how PDFKey Pro will work before you purchase it. We've personally tested many files and have never encountered a PDF that PDFKey Pro can't handle. If you're unsure, send us a copy of your PDF file and we can verify if PDFKey Pro can handle it beforehand. Please navigate to the Purchase page to purchase an activation code.


How do I remove the DRM from my eBook?


PDFKey Pro is not compatible with DRM'ed eBooks from eStores. PDFKey Pro is designed to help you work with PDF files when you've lost your password, or when you need to process your PDFs all at once. It is not designed to defeat DRM.


I just purchased a license - what happens now?


You will receive a receipt for your payment from our payment processor. As soon as your payment is complete (usually within a few seconds), you will also receive an email containing your Activation Code. Simply copy-and-paste your email address and Activation Code into PDFKey Pro. If you have questions, please contact support@pdfkey.com.


What do I do with my Activation Code?


Activation codes are used to enable all of PDFKey Pro's features. Simply select 'Enter activation code...' from the 'Tools' menu and then copy-and-paste your email address and activation code into PDFKey Pro. All features will immediately be enabled. Activation codes are long strings that look like 'MlfR7ug15bg4_f8Wqdyz/YooLqchW8-J5g'. Be sure to copy-and-paste the entire Activation Code into PDFKey Pro, including any '-' or '_' characters that may be included.


I've not received my Activation Code - what happened?


Please check your spam/bulk mail box, because sometimes our mails get erroneously filtered as spam. If you do not receive your Activation Code within one working day please contact support@pdfkey.com and specify an alternate email address and/or a fax number complete with international prefix.


I've lost my Activation Code - what can I do?


Please enter the email address you used to purchase PDFKey Pro 4 in the field below. You will instantly receive your activation code there.

I have a license for PDFKey Pro 3. How do I upgrade to PDFKey Pro 4? Is there any discount?


Yes, there is a discount! Contact us at support@pdfkey.com to obtain a $10 discount coupon off the regular price, which can be used when ordering the new license.

How can I uninstall PDFKey Pro?


On macOS: Just move the PDFKey Pro application to the Trash.

On Windows: Select the 'Add/Remove Programs' from the Control Panel, select PDFKey Pro and click uninstall.

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We have provided you with the most common questions and answers regarding PDFKey Pro. You may have noticed something else that isn't quite right with the software, however. We'd like to hear about it so we can continue to improve PDFKey Pro for everyone.


If you have any other questions, please email support@pdfkey.com. If possible, please include a copy of the PDF file that you are having issues with. Please also include a 'crash report' if applicable.