How to redact a PDF properly
Add your PDF, move to the page with private details and drag a box over each item: an ID number, an address, a face or a signature. When you press Redact and download, each page that has boxes is redrawn as a flat picture with the boxes painted black. The covered words no longer exist in the file.
Why not just draw a black shape?
Placing a black rectangle on top of text only hides it visually. Anyone can still select, copy or search the text underneath. That is how many accidental leaks happen. This tool avoids it by flattening the page.
Before you share
- Open the downloaded file and try to select the hidden words. They should not be there.
- Check all pages, headers and footers. Names often repeat.
- Shrink the file with Compress PDF if the pictures made it large, or look at the text of other pages with PDF to Text.
Frequently asked questions
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The redaction happens in your browser. Your file never leaves your device, which matters when it contains private details.
Is the covered text really gone?
Yes, on pages where you draw boxes. Those pages are turned into flat pictures with the boxes burned in, so the hidden text no longer exists in the file and cannot be copied from it. A black rectangle merely drawn on top of text would not do this.
What happens to pages without boxes?
They are copied unchanged and keep their selectable text.
Why can I not select text on redacted pages?
Because they became pictures. This is the price of making the hiding permanent.
How do I draw a box?
Press and drag on the page picture. Use Undo to remove the last box on that page, or Clear page to remove them all.