About FTK Imager
The trusted forensic imaging tool used by investigators, analysts, and IT professionals worldwide.
FTK Imager is a free digital forensics utility built for one purpose: creating verified, bit-for-bit copies of drives, partitions, and files without altering the original data. Whether you are a law enforcement examiner collecting evidence from a suspect’s hard drive or an IT administrator preserving data during an incident response, FTK Imager gives you the tools to do it right.
Since its first release, FTK Imager has become a staple in forensic labs, corporate security teams, and university classrooms. It handles full-disk imaging, memory capture, file system browsing, and hash verification in a lightweight package that runs on any modern Windows system.
History and Development
From AccessData’s forensic toolkit to Exterro’s enterprise platform.
AccessData Origins
AccessData Group, based in Lindon, Utah, developed the Forensic Toolkit (FTK) as a full-featured digital forensics platform for law enforcement. FTK Imager started as a companion utility for creating forensic images compatible with FTK’s analysis engine.
Standalone Release
AccessData made FTK Imager available as a free, standalone download separate from the paid FTK suite. This decision gave investigators a no-cost tool for evidence acquisition and made it standard equipment in forensic training programs across the country.
Feature Expansion
Subsequent releases added RAM capture for volatile memory acquisition, support for additional file systems (HFS+, ext2/3/4), encrypted volume detection, and image mounting capabilities. FTK Imager grew from a simple imaging tool into a multi-purpose forensic utility.
Exterro Acquisition
Exterro, a legal governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software company based in Portland, Oregon, acquired AccessData. The FTK product line, including FTK Imager, moved under the Exterro brand. Development continued with enterprise-focused improvements.
FTK Imager Today
The free version sits at version 4.7, while the paid Pro edition (version 8.2) adds command-line automation and network imaging. Exterro continues distributing the free version through their website, maintaining its role as the go-to imaging tool for forensic practitioners.
What FTK Imager Does
Core capabilities that make it essential for digital forensics work.
Forensic Imaging
Create exact bit-for-bit copies of hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and individual partitions. Supports E01 (EnCase), AD1, and raw/dd output formats used across the forensics industry.
Hash Verification
Generate MD5, SHA-1, and SHA-256 hash values during imaging to verify that the copy matches the original. Hash reports document the chain of custody for court proceedings.
File System Browsing
Browse NTFS, FAT, HFS+, and ext2/3/4 file systems directly. Preview files, view deleted items, and examine unallocated disk space without modifying the source drive.
RAM Capture
Capture volatile memory (RAM) from a running system. This preserves encryption keys, running processes, network connections, and other data that disappears when the computer shuts down.
Image Mounting
Mount forensic image files as virtual drives in Windows. This lets you browse imaged data using standard tools like Windows Explorer without needing specialized forensic software.
Selective Export
Export specific files and folders from a forensic image. Recover deleted files from unallocated space or extract targeted evidence without processing the entire drive.
The Team Behind FTK Imager
Built by AccessData, now maintained by Exterro.
Exterro (formerly AccessData)
Legal GRC and Digital Forensics Software
AccessData Group was founded in Lindon, Utah and built its reputation on the Forensic Toolkit (FTK), one of the most widely used digital forensics platforms in law enforcement. The company also developed Password Recovery Toolkit (PRTK), DNA, and other forensic analysis products.
In 2020, Exterro acquired AccessData and integrated its forensic tools into a broader legal GRC platform. Exterro, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, serves corporate legal departments, law enforcement agencies, and government organizations. The company focuses on e-discovery, digital forensics, data privacy, and compliance.
Under Exterro, FTK Imager remains free for individual use. The paid FTK Imager Pro edition adds command-line scripting, network-based imaging, and integration with the broader FTK ecosystem for organizations that need automated or large-scale forensic operations.
What FTK Imager Means to Users
A tool that professionals trust when evidence integrity matters most.
Law Enforcement
Police departments and federal agencies use FTK Imager to collect digital evidence from seized devices. Its hash verification and write-blocking support ensure evidence holds up in court.
Incident Response
Corporate security teams rely on FTK Imager during data breach investigations. Quick RAM capture and drive imaging help preserve evidence before it can be destroyed or overwritten.
Education
Universities and training programs teach forensic imaging with FTK Imager because it is free, straightforward, and uses the same image formats as professional-grade tools.
FTK Imager fills a gap that few other tools cover as well. Free alternatives like Guymager run only on Linux. Paid tools like EnCase Forensic Imager cost thousands per license. FTK Imager gives Windows users a free, professional-grade imaging tool that produces court-admissible results. That combination of accessibility and reliability is why it remains one of the most downloaded forensic utilities available.
About This Website
An independent resource for FTK Imager users.
Independent & Unofficial
ftkimager.com is a fan-made, independent informational resource. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Exterro or AccessData in any way. FTK Imager is a trademark of Exterro, Inc.
We built this website to help users find accurate, up-to-date information about FTK Imager in one place. Our goal is straightforward: provide clear download links, setup guides, feature explanations, and answers to common questions so you can get started with FTK Imager faster.
Official Sources Only
Every download link on this site points to official sources. We never host, modify, or redistribute software files.
Accurate Information
We research and verify all technical details, system requirements, and feature descriptions against official documentation.
Supporting the Developers
We respect Exterro’s intellectual property and encourage users to visit the official website for support, licensing, and the latest releases.
Get in Touch
Questions or feedback about this website?
Visit our Contact page to reach us. For official FTK Imager support, please visit exterro.com.