How it works
Open the PDF and identify every page and rectangle containing information that must not remain visible.
Redact PDF
Permanently burn black redaction areas into selected pages.
Free
No signup
Local browser processing
02
Draw black redaction regions over names, account numbers, addresses, signatures, or other sensitive areas. Zoom in to cover the full characters.
03
Apply redaction. Affected page appearance is rendered with the black areas included so the visible underlying content is no longer retained in the normal page layer.
Guide
What this tool does
What this tool does
Permanently hide selected sensitive regions by burning redaction blocks into rendered page output.
Typical uses
- Prepare documents for public disclosure.
- Remove personal identifiers before sharing a case file or form.
Detailed step-by-step guide
- Open the PDF and identify every page and rectangle containing information that must not remain visible.
- Draw black redaction regions over names, account numbers, addresses, signatures, or other sensitive areas. Zoom in to cover the full characters.
- Apply redaction. Affected page appearance is rendered with the black areas included so the visible underlying content is no longer retained in the normal page layer.
- Download the result, zoom in, copy/search nearby text where applicable, and verify every sensitive region on every affected page.
What this tool can do
- Uses permanent visual redaction rather than a movable black rectangle overlay.
- Can target specific regions on selected pages.
- Produces a separate redacted output file.
Tips for this tool
- Extend the black box slightly beyond the sensitive characters.
- Always inspect the final PDF, not just the editor preview, before releasing it.
Privacy and processing
While using Redact PDF, this published version performs the supported document operation in your browser and does not send the document contents to an external conversion engine. Anonymous usage counters may record activity, not the document contents.
Important limitations
- Raster-style permanent redaction can reduce text selectability or vector quality on affected pages.
- Hidden information in attachments, metadata, annotations, or unredacted pages must be reviewed separately.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is Redact PDF best used for?
Prepare documents for public disclosure. Remove personal identifiers before sharing a case file or form.
What should I check before using Redact PDF?
Extend the black box slightly beyond the sensitive characters. Always inspect the final PDF, not just the editor preview, before releasing it.
What are the limits of Redact PDF?
Raster-style permanent redaction can reduce text selectability or vector quality on affected pages. Hidden information in attachments, metadata, annotations, or unredacted pages must be reviewed separately.