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SPECIFICTION
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RECAP

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Spec score 7.5 #19 of 31 in Legal Research Software

What it is

RECAP is a collection of tools for working with PACER, the system for accessing records from U.S. federal courts. Its browser extension adds purchased PACER documents to the searchable RECAP Archive, where documents contributed by others are available without charge. The archive contains tens of millions of documents, including scanned PDF pages. Users can follow cases for email alerts about new filings and save searches to hear when new matches appear in PACER holdings. Attorneys can route PACER notices to a personal CourtListener notification address so RECAP can process the notices and contribute cases and filings. The archive is also offered through an API and as bulk data for journalists, researchers, startups, and developers. Webhooks can connect website events with actions in other systems, and the maker describes a PACER-to-Google-Drive connector demo. The extension says it does not access PACER credentials or transmit information to third parties, while noting it uploads federal records to CourtListener and sends CourtListener queries about requested records. RECAP is free to use; PACER may still charge for purchased documents. Paid access is listed from $10/user/mo.

Spec sheet

Purpose
RECAP is a collection of tools for working with PACER, the data access system for American federal courts.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Platforms
The maker's suite overview links to extensions for Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox; the App Store listing identifies RECAP Uploader for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Integrations
RECAP webhooks can connect events on its website to actions in other systems, and the maker describes a PACER-to-Google-Drive connector demo.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Privacy
The extension privacy policy says it does not access PACER credentials or transmit information to third parties, while explaining that it uploads federal records to CourtListener and sends CourtListener queries about requested records.Read 2 Oct 2026 · wiki.free.law
Support
Users can report bugs through the bug tracker or by email.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Founded
2009Read 28 Sep 2026 · free.law
Maker
Free Law Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that says it started in 2010 and uses technology, data, and advocacy to make the legal ecosystem more equitable and competitive.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
APIs and bulk data
The RECAP Archive is available through an API or as bulk data for journalists, researchers, startups, and developers.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Archive
The RECAP Archive contains tens of millions of PACER documents and is searchable, including scanned PDF pages.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Docket alerts
Users can get email alerts when new filings appear in cases they follow, with additional alerts available when the extension is installed.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
PACER document sharing
The browser extension adds purchased PACER documents to the RECAP Archive, where documents already contributed by others can be accessed for free.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
PACER notifications
Attorneys can add their personal CourtListener notification address as a secondary PACER recipient so RECAP can process their notices and contribute cases and filings.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Permissions
The FAQ says the extension accesses PACER websites and cannot see browsing on other websites.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Restricted records
The FAQ says RECAP detects some restricted-document warnings and does not upload those documents, and describes additional safeguards for ECF accounts and a process for addressing mistaken uploads.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law
Search alerts
Search alerts notify users when new matches appear in PACER holdings for a saved search.Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law

Plans and prices

RECAP Free The extension is free; PACER may still charge for documents you purchase. Read 2 Oct 2026 · free.law

Every RECAP plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Searches tens of millions of PACER documents
  • Includes scanned PDF pages in archive search
  • Offers alerts for cases and saved searches
  • Archive available through API and bulk data

Limits

  • PACER may charge for purchased documents
  • No free trial is listed
  • Does not cover statute and regulation search

Who it suits

RECAP suits people searching U.S. federal court dockets and case records, including attorneys, journalists, and researchers. Its API and bulk data may also suit startups and developers working with the archive.

Verdict

RECAP combines a searchable document archive with tools for contributing records and tracking new filings. It is free to use, but purchases made through PACER may still carry charges.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to RECAPAll alternatives →