PDF Password Finder

PDF Password Recovery Software

PDF Password Recovery finds the password of a locked PDF file when you forget it. Choose brute force or mask attack and get the password back in a few clicks.

  • Two search modes in one window
  • 15 character passwords
  • Offline recovery on your computer
  • Windows and Mac editions
PDF Password Recovery window with a PDF file added, brute force mode, character set and password length options
Add a PDF file, set the length and click Recover.
  • Free DemoTest before you buy
  • 30 Day RefundDemo test comes first
  • Card or PayPalHosted store checkout
  • Fast License KeySent by email
  • 24x7 SupportChat and email

1Is this my case?

Which Cases Need PDF Password Recovery?

Find your case below. RecoveryTools software brings the password back without touching the document.

  • Old Contract Stays LockedYou protected a PDF years ago and lost the password.
  • Client Files Arrive LockedA partner sends a PDF and the password never arrives.
  • Guessing Wastes HoursTyping old passwords one by one gets you nowhere.
  • You Remember Part of ItYou know how the password starts or ends.
  • Legal or Audit Papers InsideYour team needs the document and the owner is away.
  • Online Tools Feel RiskyYou do not want to upload private pages to a server.

Brute Force Mode

Try every combination from the character set you select.

Mask Attack Mode

Add a prefix and a length to narrow the search.

Offline Recovery

Keep your PDF on your computer during the search.

Know the Type of Password First

Password recovery works on the password that opens the PDF. Restrictions on printing or copying need a different step.

RecoveryTools PDF Unlocker handles those restrictions after you open the file.

2What changes?

What Changes After the Recovery?

Before

  • Locked PDF with no password
  • Hours lost on manual guesses
  • Documents stuck behind a password

After

  • Password appears on the status screen
  • Search narrows with your clues
  • PDF opens with the recovered password

3What can it do?

Which Features Come With PDF Password Recovery?

Add the file, set your clues and recover the password from one window.

Brute Force Attack

Try every combination when you know nothing about the password.

Mask Attack

Use a prefix or a length to cut the search time.

Password Length Range

Set a length from 1 up to 15 characters.

Character Set Control

Select letters, numbers, symbols, spaces and tabs for the search.

Starts With Option

Give the first characters of the password to narrow the search.

Live Progress

Watch the elapsed time and the current status.

Original File Stays Intact

Formatting, layout and metadata stay as they are.

Large File Support

Add big PDF files to the recovery window.

Offline Recovery

Recover the password on your computer without uploading the file.

4Is it easy?

How to Recover a PDF Password in 4 Steps

Test the recovery on a small file in the free demo. Buy the license when you want every character.

  1. 1Download

    Install the Demo

    Download the installer and install it on your Windows or Mac computer.

  2. 2Add

    Add the PDF File

    Click Browse, select the locked PDF file and open it.

  3. 3Choose

    Select a Mode

    Select Unknown Password for brute force or Partial Known Password for mask attack. Set the length and character set.

  4. 4Recover

    Click Recover

    Start the search and copy the password from the status screen. Open the PDF with it.

Screenshots of every step sit in the PDF password recovery guide.

5What will I see?

Which Screens Does the Software Show?

Follow the path from the mode options to the recovered password.

PDF Password Recovery window with a PDF file added and the recovery mode options marked

Select the Recovery Mode

Choose brute force for an unknown password or mask attack for a partial one.

PDF Password Recovery window with the character set, password length and starts with options marked

Set Charset and Length

Select the character set, the password length and the starting characters.

PDF Password Recovery window with the Recover button marked

Click Recover

Start the search and follow the progress until the password appears.

6Demo or full?

Free Demo vs Full Version

See where the free demo stops and what a license adds.

FeatureFree DemoFull Version
Both recovery modesYesYes
Unknown and partial passwordsYesYes
Live progress statusYesYes
Recovered password charactersFirst 2Up to 15
PriceFreeFrom $29

7Will it fit my system?

System Requirements for PDF Password Recovery

Product Version4.0 for Windows and 3.0 for Mac
Download Size237.18 MB for Windows and 99.59 MB for Mac
Product TypeDesktop software that recovers PDF passwords
Recovery ModesBrute force and mask attack
Password Length1 to 15 characters
WindowsWindows 11 and Windows 10 in 64 bit plus Windows Server 2025
MacmacOS 11 Big Sur up to macOS 15 Sequoia
ProcessorIntel Core, AMD Ryzen or Qualcomm Snapdragon X on Windows and Intel or Apple Silicon on Mac, with an 8 core CPU recommended
RAM and Disk Space8 GB RAM recommended with 100 MB of free space for the software
Pre RequisiteMicrosoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later on Windows and a United States system region with English language
Demo LimitShows the first 2 characters of the password

8What is the price?

How Much Does PDF Password Recovery Cost?

Choose the license by the number of computers. Prices are in US dollars.

Personal License

1 Computer

$29

  • Home and private use
  • 1 year of free updates
  • Unlimited 24x7 support
Buy Now
Business License

Up to 100 Computers

$99

  • One location in one country
  • 1 year of free updates
  • Unlimited 24x7 support
Buy Now
Enterprise License

Up to 500 Computers

$299

  • Offices in many places
  • 1 year of free updates
  • Unlimited 24x7 support
Buy Now
Refund requests are accepted for 30 days. Test the free demo first because software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. See the RecoveryTools refund policy for the full terms.

Mac edition licenses cost the same. Buy the Mac edition license or download the Mac edition demo. See more savings on the RecoveryTools offers page.

9Is it safe?

Can You Trust the Software With Your PDF Files?

4.9
average rating out of 5 from 1,211 users

See Results First

Test the free demo on a small PDF file and check the first two characters before you pay.

In Business Since 2007

RecoveryTools stands on a company that began in 2007 and now helps users in over 100 countries. Find more about RecoveryTools.

ISO Certified

Standards ISO 9001:2015 for quality and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security back the company. See the awards and certifications page.

Terms in Plain Sight

Refund, privacy and usage terms are public before you pay. See the refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use.

10Need a hand?

Where to Get Help With Your PDF Password Recovery

Support engineers answer questions before and after you buy. Visit the RecoveryTools support center for phone numbers and more ways to get help.

Live Chat

Talk to an expert on live chat at any hour.

Email Support

Email support@systoolsgroup.com with your PDF file details and the error message.

Remote Session

An expert connects to your computer and solves a hard case for you.

Step by Step Guide

Follow the user guide for the brute force and mask attack screens.

11Still have a question?

Questions About Recovering PDF Passwords

Can I recover a forgotten PDF password with the software?

Yes. Choose brute force when you know nothing about the password. Choose mask attack when you remember a prefix, a suffix or the length.

Which PDF passwords can the software find?

PDF Password Recovery finds the user password that opens the PDF. Unknown and partially known passwords both work.

How long a password can the software recover?

Passwords of 15 characters or fewer work. Shorter length ranges and smaller character sets finish sooner.

What is the difference between brute force and mask attack?

Brute force tries every combination from the character set you select. Mask attack uses your prefix and length clues to narrow the search.

Does the software change my PDF file?

No. Your PDF keeps its formatting, layout and metadata because the software only reports the password.

Is my PDF safe during recovery?

Yes. Recovery works offline on your computer and the file never reaches an online server.

How much time does recovery take?

Time depends on the password length and the character set. Strong passwords up to 15 characters can take up to 24 hours. Mask attack finishes sooner when you share clues.

Do I need technical skills to use the software?

No. Add the PDF file, select a mode, set the options and click Recover.

What does the free demo show?

Free demo mode reveals only the first 2 characters of the password. Full version mode shows every character.

Is there a Mac edition?

Yes. Mac edition 3.0 works on macOS 11 Big Sur up to macOS 15 Sequoia. Set the system region to United States and the language to English. Get the Mac edition demo or the Mac edition license.

Which Windows versions work?

Windows 11 and Windows 10 in 64 bit plus Windows Server 2025 work. Install Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later first.

What is the system requirement for the software?

Plan for 100 MB of free space and 8 GB RAM. Use an 8 core CPU for faster recovery.

How much does the software cost?

Personal costs $29 for 1 computer. Business costs $99 for up to 100 computers. Enterprise costs $299 for up to 500 computers. Mac edition licenses cost the same.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. Refund requests are accepted for 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Email a signed Letter of Destruction to sales@recovery-tools.org. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded.

Recover Your PDF Password With the Free Demo

Download the free demo, test it on a small PDF file and buy the license when you want every character.