mcp-unlock-pdf

MCP server to give client the ability read protected (or un-unprotected) PDF

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Overview

MCP-unlock-pdf is a server application that allows clients to read both protected and unprotected PDF files.

To use mcp-unlock-pdf, you need to add a specific configuration to your MCP config file, which includes setting up the command and arguments to run the server.

Ability to unlock protected PDF files for reading. - Supports both protected and unprotected PDFs. - Easy integration with existing MCP setups.

Unlocking academic papers that are PDF protected.
Accessing eBooks that have restrictions on reading.
Enabling users to read documents that are otherwise inaccessible due to protection.

Add to your AI client

Use these steps to connect mcp-unlock-pdf in Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible apps. The same JSON appears in the Use with menu above for one-click copy.

Cursor

Add this to your .cursor/mcp.json file in your project root, then restart Cursor.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add this server entry to the mcpServers object in your Claude Desktop config, then restart the app.

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

Add this to your project's .mcp.json file. Claude Code will detect it automatically.

.mcp.json (project root)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci"
      ]
    }
  }
}

VS Code (Copilot)

Add this to your .vscode/mcp.json file. Requires the GitHub Copilot extension with MCP support enabled.

.vscode/mcp.json

{
  "servers": {
    "mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Windsurf

Add this to your Windsurf MCP config file, then restart Windsurf.

~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Cline

Open Cline settings, navigate to MCP Servers, and add this server configuration.

Cline MCP Settings (via UI)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-unlock-pdf-algonacci"
      ]
    }
  }
}

FAQ

Can mcp-unlock-pdf unlock any PDF?

It can unlock PDFs that are protected, but it may not work on all types of protection.

Is there a cost to use mcp-unlock-pdf?

No, it is open-source and free to use under the MIT license.

What programming language is mcp-unlock-pdf written in?

It is written in Python.

Developer tools

mcp-unlock-pdf — MCP Registry