About Redact PDF
Cover selected areas of a PDF and export flattened page images so the underlying text and graphics are not retained as selectable PDF objects in the result. Use it for national ID numbers, account details, addresses and other sensitive information before sharing a document.
How to use Redact PDF
- Choose a PDF and drag boxes over every sensitive area.
- Inspect each page and click a box if you need to remove it.
- Select Redact PDF, then verify the downloaded file before sharing.
What to check
The result rebuilds all pages from rendered images with black boxes applied in the covered areas. Test the finished file by attempting to select or search the sensitive text, and review every page manually. Remember that information can also live in headers, footers, annotations and document properties.
Limitations
Redaction does not automatically find names, metadata or hidden information elsewhere in a file. All pages become image-based and their text is no longer selectable.
Frequently asked questions
Is redacted text really gone?
The output rebuilds pages as flat images with the covered areas blacked out, so the underlying text is not carried into the new file. Always verify the downloaded copy before sharing.
Can I redact a word everywhere it appears automatically?
No. You mark each area by hand, so search the document for every instance of sensitive terms before exporting.
Why is the text no longer selectable after redaction?
Pages are flattened into images to make sure covered content cannot be recovered from the file's text layer.