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
- 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.
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.
- 1Download
Install the Demo
Download the installer and install it on your Windows or Mac computer.
- 2Add
Add the PDF File
Click Browse, select the locked PDF file and open it.
- 3Choose
Select a Mode
Select Unknown Password for brute force or Partial Known Password for mask attack. Set the length and character set.
- 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.

Select the Recovery Mode
Choose brute force for an unknown password or mask attack for a partial one.

Set Charset and Length
Select the character set, the password length and the starting characters.

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.
| Feature | Free Demo | Full Version |
|---|---|---|
| Both recovery modes | Yes | Yes |
| Unknown and partial passwords | Yes | Yes |
| Live progress status | Yes | Yes |
| Recovered password characters | First 2 | Up to 15 |
| Price | Free | From $29 |
7Will it fit my system?
System Requirements for PDF Password Recovery
| Product Version | 4.0 for Windows and 3.0 for Mac |
|---|---|
| Download Size | 237.18 MB for Windows and 99.59 MB for Mac |
| Product Type | Desktop software that recovers PDF passwords |
| Recovery Modes | Brute force and mask attack |
| Password Length | 1 to 15 characters |
| Windows | Windows 11 and Windows 10 in 64 bit plus Windows Server 2025 |
| Mac | macOS 11 Big Sur up to macOS 15 Sequoia |
| Processor | Intel 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 Space | 8 GB RAM recommended with 100 MB of free space for the software |
| Pre Requisite | Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later on Windows and a United States system region with English language |
| Demo Limit | Shows 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.
1 Computer
$29
- Home and private use
- 1 year of free updates
- Unlimited 24x7 support
Up to 100 Computers
$99
- One location in one country
- 1 year of free updates
- Unlimited 24x7 support
Up to 500 Computers
$299
- Offices in many places
- 1 year of free updates
- Unlimited 24x7 support
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?
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.
12Where next?
Related RecoveryTools Software
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.