How to use the Redact PDF
Step 1: Drop a PDF onto the upload box, or tap it to choose a file.
Step 2: Move to a page with Previous and Next, then drag on the page to draw a black box over each thing you want to hide.
Step 3: Review the Black boxes list. Remove any box you drew by mistake.
Step 4: Press Redact and save, then Download PDF. Open the result and check it before sharing.
Features and benefits
Truly permanent
Pages with redactions are flattened into pictures, so the covered text is removed, not just hidden.
Draw to redact
Drag a box over anything: text, numbers, signatures or images.
Other pages untouched
Pages without boxes stay as normal, searchable PDF pages.
Clear summary
See how many pages will be flattened before you save.
Private
Redaction happens on your device, so sensitive data is never uploaded.
Why covering text is not enough
Drawing a black rectangle over text in most editors hides it visually but leaves the original text in the file, where it can be selected, copied or found with search. Several well-known leaks have happened this way. Real redaction removes the underlying content.
This tool does that by replacing each redacted page with a flat image of the page with your boxes burned in. The original text and images of that page are no longer in the output file.
What to check afterwards
Open the redacted file, try to select text under the boxes and search for the hidden words to confirm they are gone. Remember that other pages may repeat the same information, and that document properties such as title, author and bookmarks are not changed by this tool. Pages that were redacted can no longer be searched, because they are now pictures.
Example use cases
Sharing documents
Remove account numbers and addresses before sending a statement.
Legal and HR
Hide names and identifiers in a document before wider circulation.
Sample copies
Share a redacted example of a document without exposing details.
ID and forms
Black out the parts of an ID copy that a recipient does not need.
Frequently asked questions
Is the redacted text really gone?
Yes for the pages you redact: they are saved as flat pictures with the boxes burned in. Check the result before sharing.
Why can I not search redacted pages?
Those pages become pictures, so they no longer contain searchable text. Pages without boxes keep their text.
Does this clean the document properties?
No. Properties such as title and author are not changed by this tool.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Redaction is done in your browser, so sensitive data never leaves your device.
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Last updated 9 November 2026.