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PDF Redact
PDF Redact
What is this tool?
The PDF Redact tool lets you drag boxes over parts of a page, or list whole pages, to black them out before sharing. Every page you redact is rebuilt as a flat image with the black areas painted in, so the text underneath is removed from that page rather than just hidden. Pages you do not redact are copied across unchanged. It runs with client-side JavaScript in your browser.
When to use it
- Blacking out account numbers, social security numbers, or addresses before sharing a document
- Covering a signature or photo on a scanned ID before sending it elsewhere
- Hiding names or figures in a contract before circulating it more widely
- Removing entire pages from view while keeping the page count intact
- Preparing a redacted copy of a report for a wider audience
How to use it
- 1Open the tool and upload your PDF.
- 2Use Prev and Next to move between pages.
- 3Drag on the page preview to draw a black box over each area to hide, or list whole pages to black out.
- 4Click Redact — the PDF is rebuilt in your browser.
- 5Download the finished file and check it before you share it.
Frequently asked questions
Does redaction actually remove the underlying text, or just cover it visually?
It removes it. Each page you redact is rebuilt as a flat image with the black areas painted in, so there is no text layer left on that page. Pages you do not redact are not changed.
Why can't I select text on a redacted page?
Because the page is now an image. That is what guarantees the covered text cannot be copied out from underneath the black boxes.
Can I black out a whole page?
Yes — enter a range like 1, 3-4 in the whole-pages field and those pages are blacked out completely.
Is my document sent to a server for processing?
No. Redaction is done entirely in your browser.
Where did the watermark option go?
It has its own tool now: PDF Watermark.