PDFKey Pro for Mac

Used PDFKey Pro for Mac?

PDFKey Pro Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

PDFKey Pro is a powerful multimedia tool designed for Mac users, specializing in the management of password-protected PDF files. This program allows users to unlock and edit PDF documents that are secured with encryption, making it a useful utility for professionals who often work with restricted content. With a straightforward interface, PDFKey Pro offers features such as the ability to extract images and text from locked PDFs, providing flexibility for various multimedia projects.

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In addition to unlocking PDFs, PDFKey Pro supports batch processing, enabling users to handle multiple files simultaneously. This feature streamlines workflows, saving time and effort when dealing with large volumes of documents. The software is designed to be user-friendly, catering to both novice and experienced users in the animation and multimedia field. Overall, PDFKey Pro stands out as a practical solution for those needing to access and manipulate secured PDF files.

PDFKey Pro for Mac

Used PDFKey Pro for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 4, 2017

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 4.3.9

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System

OS X 10.10
OS X 10.8
macOS 10.12
Mac OS X
OS X 10.11
OS X 10.9

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 6,849

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.1/5

20 User Votes

Simple, in all words
RosaWI16February 22, 2017
Pros
Batch remove pdf password protections,also can protect PDFs Affordable
Cons
Don't work on forgotten user password, slow to work on large file PDFs
Summary
Works OK if you only want to remove known pdf passwords.
absolutely useless
hpsteelSeptember 17, 2012
Pros
none that I can see
Cons
just doesn't work
Summary
ripped off for 24 bucks. I guess this is how they keep the doors open. 24 bucks at a time to pay for the false advertising.
App not finished
BridgitBlueDecember 16, 2011
Pros
nice features generally
Cons
sometimes crashes, when used decryption app need to finish it - it recovers only owner password, and Pdf password for the last time protected by user password.
Summary
I cannot undesrtand why developers release and distribute apps which are not fully. What i mean? I mean, that useful recovery tools should unlock two types of passwords, not only OWNER!
Works OK for me
2ndgenirishJuly 17, 2011
Pros
PDFKey Pro for me has been quick and effective.
Cons
None since the program has worked every time for me.
Summary
Has not failed me yet though I have used it only a few times. I got it to unlock .pdf forms because I want to keep copies. I asked the developer if I could have to removed password, and got a reply that the program does not identify a password, just removes.
Great support
macsolverMarch 25, 2010
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Hi, A small problem with Apple's Java Virtual Machine 1.5 caused the initial version of 3.11 to crash on launch. A quick exchange of emails with the author resulted in an updated and working version being posted on his website. If you are having problems, delete the problem version and download the current version from the website. Software is a great help for allowing emergency revisions to locked PDFs when the originator is out of contact, or has forgotten the password ! Regards, Nick
PDFKey Pro a good simple interface
rrbrowneApril 24, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />How nice to see a program that works well with a very easy to understand interface. Well worth the money.
Works well
bruno.netApril 20, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Used it on a PDF with edit restriction (128 encrypted). Worked well. Just tried once. Good interface, very simple GUI. Can be used in command line mode too - if you want to use in a script. 5 stars. Interface is obviously better than "Guaranteed PDF Decrypter v3.0", which is a command line utility only. I think the price is a bit steep for a utility that I will not use very often, so only 4 stars overall. iMac 2.66 (Intel), OS X 10.5.6
Still great after all these years
davebarnesOctober 4, 2008
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Three years ago (25AUG2005) I gave a 5-star rating to PDFKey Pro. I still give it 5 stars. Every month or so, I need to unlock a PDF and this software always does the job for me. The price is right and the application is trivial to use. Sometimes, a single-purpose tool is the best.
Works
prolaw1October 8, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Purchased over 500 page locked PDF and could not copy and paste info into documents for work. Within seconds I could. The only delay was in getting activation code. Had to write to author and it was sent promptly. I have not tried locking feature, only unlocking.
Finally ... my Spotlight searches now work inside...
swmjJune 2, 2007
Pros
Cons
Summary
...PDFs.<br />This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Can you say hallelujah? This tool is a godsend ... now my Spotlight searches actually work on all materials not just those that do not have passwords - so my hard drive searches now give me better results than Google internet searches for those subjects that I collect. (NOTE - I have purchased all copyrighted electronic material I have directly from the authors or their authorized business partners, so I have the passwords, and I do not make copies to anywhere except my own two computers and my own two backups, unlike many doofs online out there).

Developer’s Description

By Karsten Kusche

Decrypt protected PDF files for printing and editing.

PDFKey Pro is a Mac OS X utility to unlock and decrypt password-protected PDF documents. It removes editing and printing passwords if these have been forgotten. PDFKey Pro can now also protect your PDF files with a password to prevent unauthorized access and/or restrict usage permissions. PDFKey Pro can also integrate in complex workflows using command-line and Automator tools (included).