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How to unlock and bulk rename PDF form fields

How to unlock and bulk rename PDF form fields

Learn how to unlock security-enabled or password-protected PDFs and bulk rename the fields automatically to match the active fields next to the field.

By the team at Gavel
Published:  
Nov 10, 2021
|  Last updated:  
Feb 27, 2025
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Gavel is a code-free way to create document automation workflows.  Are you looking to unlock and rename your PDF?  You've come to the right place.

Do you have pesky PDF files, whether in Adobe PDF or on some other program, that are locked and have nondescript form field names?  Some PDF files are security-enabled, locked, or require you to enter a password before you modify the document.  This can be frustrating, particularly if you're taking court forms (like California Judicial Council forms) or government forms and you're trying to automate and create workflows for your PDF forms with document automation software or document assembly software.

Do you want to unlock those PDF files and/or rename the underlying form fields to something that makes sense? Good news: We have a new tool that unlocks your PDF documents.  It also bulk renames PDF form fields so they match the text next to the field!  Artificial intelligence at its finest.

Here's how you can unlock and rename your PDF fields.

First, go to www.gavel.io/pdf.  You'll see the upload field below:

Then, upload your document.  Once you upload your document, your PDF will be unlocked.  You'll also see several options for how to rename your underlying PDF fields.

By default, they will be changed to match the text next to the field, like in the image below.  You'll be able to click into different fields and rename them.  Then, click Finish and Download, and you'll get your unlocked PDF with the field names bulk renamed automatically.

Here's an example:

If you have any questions on how you can automate your PDF documents, please visit Gavel and don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected].  We also accommodate Word and .docx documents.

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