Redact PDF
Removing private information from selected areas of a PDF from a new copy.
Not just overlays: All pages are rendered, creating a new image-only PDF, so old text layers, attachments, and document metadata are not copied. Only the area inside the boxes is removed. Check the remaining personal information yourself
Create a black box by dragging it on the preview. Check each page separately.
How to use Redact PDF?
The function of Redact PDF is to remove private information from selected areas of the PDF from the new copy. The steps below match this tool; perfect conversion is not guaranteed.
Steps and output
Select the PDF, change the page number and create boxes by dragging the mouse or finger on the preview. You can create boxes on other pages also. Clear removes only the boxes on the current page. Result: flattened redacted PDF. Set aside a safe copy of the original file before starting work. Selecting the wrong page or version may require rework, so match the file name and content first. Start with a small sample first. Do not close the tab while the tool is running. If you see an error, read it; Do not consider getting incomplete results as success.
Where is caution necessary?
Not just overlays: All pages are rendered, creating a new image-only PDF, so old text layers, attachments, and document metadata are not copied. Only the area inside the boxes is removed. Check the remaining personal information yourself. After downloading, open the new file in a separate viewer. Match page count, orientation, small text, names, dates and important numbers with the original document. Mere downloading of the file is not proof of correct result. If the output is to be sent to a government form, office, school or customer, also check the current file-size and format requirements of that place. If important information has been cut out, appears too light or is misplaced, recreate it from the original.
Privacy and safe use
In this tool, document processing happens in your browser. The file and password are not sent to any conversion server. For the first time, internet is required to download engine files; OCR language data is also downloaded. Ads, chat and translation are separate online features of the site. Putting a private document into AI chat or translation is not the same as local PDF processing. Work only after reading the limits given on this page. Browser memory is different on every device, so no fixed speed or guaranteed result can be given for very large files. Download the new file after processing. Complete the test before replacing the original. Change someone else's document only if you have their permission.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be hidden text copy behind?
The new output does not contain the original text layer. Still, visual inspection by opening all the pages is necessary.
Will the original file be changed?
No. Save the new output copy separately. Keep the original safe and read it before sending the final result.
What if an error occurs on a large file?
Try with a smaller sample or fewer pages. If memory is less then run it on another device. Do not use incomplete output after error.