Fixed: “Page Extraction Not Allowed in Source PDF Document”

  author
Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On April 23rd, 2025
Reading Time 9 Minutes Reading

PDFs are convenient, versatile, portable, and the fastest document format for sharing or archiving information. Despite the usability of the file, errors like “page extraction is not allowed in the source PDF documents​” might confuse and frustrate you when editing or extracting pages from PDF documents. If you’re addressing a similar issue, follow this exclusive guide. This article will explore the meaning, reason, and fixes for this pesky error. This way, you can easily extract the necessary pages from the document in batch mode. So, let’s dive into it.

What is the PDF Page Extraction Not Allowed Meaning?

If you’re constantly addressing the error of “page extraction not allowed in source PDF”, it mainly appears if the document contains protection or restrictions. It means that the document creator has disabled actions like editing, content copying, and page extracting. Many professionals ask, “Why is page extraction not allowed PDF. Take a look below:

pdf page extraction not allwoed

This error can be a barrier when extracting or sharing the pages from PDFs. Some major protections or restrictions disable the ability to extract the pages. When the document has enabled the security settings, it prevents viewers from extracting PDF pages. Additionally, the option of “Extract” or “Save PDF” may be greyed out. In other words, you don’t have the right to extract pages from the document. Now, let’s walk through the common causes behind this error.

Why is Page Extraction Not Allowed in Source PDF?

The error of PDF page extraction not allowed can be frustrating for anyone. One major reason is PDF security settings. Despite this, some causes prevent users from extracting the required pages from a PDF document. Here are the most common reasons why page extraction is not allowed in the source PDF documents​:

  • PDF Document Restrictions: Many professionals lock a PDF from editing, copying, and extracting pages. This is typically known as the owner permission password that disables the action of page extraction to prevent misuse and unauthorized access.
  • Document Assembly or Extraction is Prohibited: If the document creator has enabled restrictions over the document assembly, repurposing, or extraction. These document settings prevent users from compromising the sensitive information.
  • Forgotten User Password: Have you forgot PDF password? It can be frustrating. Moreover, it stops users from accessing a PDF document. In other words, you can’t extract pages without entering the document credentials.

Overall, these are the common reasons for PDF page extraction not allowed. It prevents viewers from accessing, opening, and extracting PDF pages. Before jumping into the fixes or quick methods, let’s first discover the best way to check the PDF page extraction restriction.

How to Check If Page Extraction is Not Allowed in the Source PDF Documents?

If you’re encountering the warning messages like “page extraction not allowed in source PDF” instead of panicking. Follow the steps below to check the page extraction restriction on PDF:

  1. Install Adobe Acrobat Reader > upload the PDF file.
  2. Use File and then, tab the Properties option.
  3. Tab Security and review the Document Restriction Summary.
  4. Find Page Extraction > if shows “Not Allowed” – the file is protected.

The status of PDF page extraction – “Not Allowed” shows the document protection or restrictions. It disables viewers from accessing or extracting the pages. Now, if you’re wondering about the fixes for “page extraction not allowed PDF”, look for the section below.

How to Fix “Page Extraction Not Allowed in Source PDF” – 3 Best Ways

Previously, we have explained “PDF page extraction not allowed meaning” and how to check the restriction. To remove PDF restrictions like page extractions, below are the basic to advanced methods. By following these solutions, you can extract pages from a secured PDF. Here’s how to fix “page extraction is not allowed in the source PDF documents​”:

1. Try Opera Browser to Enable PDF Page Extraction
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro Tool to Fix “Not Allowed” Status
3. SysTools PDF Unlocking Tool – The Expert Solution

Now, let’s understand these approaches in a detailed manner.

How to Fix PDF Page Extraction Not Allowed – Try Opera Browser for Free

If you’re facing the issue of “page extraction not allowed in source PDF”, try free and instant solution. Using Opera Browser, you can disable the unwanted page extraction restriction, allowing you to access the PDF. Moreover, it is an ideal and simple way for extracting PDF pages from the protected document. Here are the steps to remove PDF page extraction not allowed using Opera Browser:

  1. Start with uploading PDF on Opera Browser.
  2. Press keys: Ctrl + P or click the Print button.
  3. Select Save as PDF > set printer.
  4. Choose PDF pages for extraction.
  5. Lastly, tab Save > download new PDF document.
  6. Now, you can extract pages from PDF files.

When to Use Opera Browser for Fixing “Page Extraction Not Allowed PDF”:

  • If you wish to extract a few pages from a restricted PDF file.
  • Need for a simple and fast way without the installation of any software.
Limitations of Opera Workaround: If the PDF is protected with robust protection, this method isn’t recommended. Moreover, it is only helpful for creating new PDFs or extracting the pages when a document is not secured. Hence, it is not an ideal solution to fix page extraction not allowed in source PDF error.

Use Adobe Acrobat Pro Tool to Fix “Page Extraction Not Allowed in Source PDF” Issue

To fix the error of “PDF page extraction not allowed”, use the Adobe Acrobat Pro tool to manage the document restrictions. This is professional-grade and trusted software when looking to delete the permissions. Using this advanced tool, you can review and disable both user and owner-level security settings in batch mode. It allows you to permanently remove the “Not Allowed” status of page extraction on a PDF document.

Additionally, it is the go-to tool to enable permissions like text copying, printing, and extraction. Follow the stepwise guide below for how to allow page extraction in PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro software:

1. Open the protected PDF in the Acrobat Pro tool.
2. Find File > Tools > Encrypt and then, Remove Security.

(Please Note: In a few versions, options are Tools > Protect and then, Security > Remove Security.)

3. In Security Settings > enable Page Extraction status.
4. Now, enter the permission password > press OK.
5. Lastly, download the unsecured PDF file.
6. To extract pages > open PDF > extract the required pages.

When to Use Adobe Acrobat Pro for Page Extraction Not Allowed PDF:

  • To remove all the document security settings at once.
  • Enable full document access for editing, page extraction, etc.

Limitations of the Acrobat Tool: This is a paid tool and is based on subscription plans. These plans are highly costly and aren’t flexible for individuals or professional businesses. Additionally, the interface of the tool is equally complicated and might annoy both tech-savvy and novice users.

Try SysTools Unlocking to Fix Page Extraction Not Allowed PDF – Best Solution

Addressing the error of “page extraction is not allowed in the source PDF documents​”, try SysTools PDF Unlocker, one of the advanced and cost-effective software. This independent tool is fast, intuitive, and reliable for professionals or businesses. Moreover, it is developed for Windows or Mac OS users. Using this robust software, you can disable different modes of protection, like user or owner permissions.

This tool is capable to remove PDF page extraction not allowed status. In other words, you can delete document security settings like content copying, printing, and page extractions. In this way, you can get complete access to extracting pages from a PDF document. Most importantly, this is a secure tool that ensures data integrity and protection. Now, let’s understand the tool.

How to Remove PDF Page Extraction Not Allowed

  1. To allow page extraction in PDF > run SysTools Unlocking PDF tool.
  2. Add Files / Folders” to browse or add required documents.
    add pdf protected files
  3. In Password > enter the correct file password.
    to allow pdf page extraction, add password
  4. Save” > “Change” to find the path for the resultant file.
    go to save and then, click on change icon
  5. Now, tab the Unlock button to access the PDF for free,
  6. Lastly, open the PDF and extract pages at once.
Pro Tip: SysTools Unlocking PDF tool is cost-effective and the best alternative to Acrobat. Sometimes, Adobe Acrobat not responding can be stressful. However, this tool prevents the chances of failure or error. Additionally, it offers an extensive range of features in a one-time payment option. Using this software, you can ensure batch processing with ease.

Concluding Words

In the above guide, we discussed issues and fixes for “page extraction not allowed in source PDF”. By following the methods, you can disable the restriction and get the right to extract pages from PDF documents. Compared to all approaches, SysTools Unlocking PDF software remains the best solution. It is cost-effective and reliable for professionals. Try the demo version to remove PDF page extraction not allowed status and enable the process of extracting PDF pages.

FAQs on PDF Page Extraction Not Allowed

Q. How to change page extraction not allowed in PDF document?
To fix page extraction is not allowed in the source PDF documents​, follow the instructions below:

  1. Install SysTools PDF Document Unlock Tool.
  2. Add Files or Folder” feature to add PDF files.
  3. In the Password section > type the document passkey.
  4. Go to Save and then click, “Change” button to browse the file path.
  5. Lastly, press Unlock and then extract pages from the PDF.

Q. What is page extraction in PDF?
The practice of page extraction in PDF commonly refers to reorganizing, extracting, and making new documents. In this way, you can manage the separate PDF document by removing unwanted, duplicate, and problematic pages at once.

Q. How to allow page extraction in PDF document?
If PDF page extraction not allowed, here’s how to allow PDF page extraction:

  1. Start by downloading the SysTools PDF Unlocking Tool.
  2. To upload a PDF, use the “Add Files / Folder” feature.
  3. Under Password > enter the password if required.
  4. Move to Save > Change > hit Unlock button.
  5. Lastly, extract multiple pages from a PDF file.
  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.