Redact PDF
Permanently cover content in a PDF with solid rectangles. Underlying text objects may still be extractable by specialized tools. For forensic-grade redaction, flatten the output via pdf-compress after redacting.
About Redact PDF
Redact PDF covers content with solid rectangles so account numbers, names, or signatures don't appear when the document is viewed. It's for sanitizing a file before you share it publicly or with a third party. The redaction runs in your browser, so the original sensitive document never gets uploaded — but read the caveat below before treating it as bulletproof.
- Category
- edit
- Input
- Accepts: application/pdf.
- Output
- Outputs: application/pdf.
- Cost
- Free, runs in your browser
- Memory
- low
Common uses
- Black out a customer's account number on a statement before attaching it to a support ticket
- Cover personal addresses on a scanned form shared with a wider team
- Hide pricing on a proposal before circulating an example externally
- Mask signatures on a contract used as a template for others to fill in
- Conceal a confidential clause in a document being shown in a public filing
Frequently asked questions
Is the redacted text truly gone?
The rectangles cover the content visually, but the underlying text objects may still be extractable by specialized tools. For forensic-grade redaction, flatten the result with Compress PDF afterward.
Does my document get uploaded?
No. Redaction is applied locally in your browser; the file stays on your device.
How do I make the redaction permanent?
Run the redacted PDF through Compress PDF, which re-encodes the page imagery and removes the recoverable text beneath the rectangles.
Can I redact multiple areas on different pages?
Yes. You can place solid rectangles over content across pages in a single pass.
Is the original file altered?
No. The tool outputs a new redacted copy and leaves your source untouched.
Keywords
- redact
- cover
- hide
- privacy
- black