Redact PDF
Permanently remove
sensitive content
True redaction deletes the underlying text and image data from the PDF — it cannot be recovered by copying text or inspecting the file. Not just a black box on top.
File never leaves your device
How redaction works
Mark areas
Draw redaction boxes over the text, images, or regions you want to permanently remove.
Apply redactions
Click "Apply Redactions" — the content is deleted from the PDF data, not just covered visually.
Download
Download the redacted PDF. The removed content cannot be recovered.
What to redact
Personal information
Names, addresses, dates of birth, passport numbers, and other PII before sharing documents.
Financial data
Account numbers, salary figures, bank details in contracts or financial reports.
Legal names in court docs
Remove witness names, victim details, or confidential parties from legal filings.
Internal pricing
Remove cost breakdowns or internal pricing before sharing a proposal externally.
Frequently asked questions
Is this true redaction or just a black box on top?
True redaction. When you apply redactions, the underlying content is deleted from the PDF's data structure. It cannot be recovered by selecting text, copying, or inspecting the file.
Can redacted content ever be recovered?
No. Once you download the redacted PDF, the data that was under the redaction marks is permanently gone. This is different from drawing a shape on top, which only hides content visually.
Can I redact images as well as text?
Yes. Redaction boxes work over any page content — text, images, graphics, or any combination. The content beneath the redaction area is removed entirely.
Will the redacted areas show as black boxes in the final PDF?
Yes. Redacted areas are replaced with solid black rectangles by default, following the standard convention for redacted documents.
Is my document sent to a server for redaction?
No. All processing happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your file never leaves your device.