Redact a PDF
Draw boxes, then export with True removal to permanently remove covered content.
- True removal rebuilds pages as images; overlay only covers content visually
- Draw boxes with your mouse or touchscreen
- 100% in-browser — files never upload
- Free, no signup, no watermark
How to redact pdf
- Open your PDF — it stays in your browser.
- Draw a box over each piece of sensitive text or image.
- Choose True removal so the covered content is deleted, not just hidden.
- Export the new PDF, then search it for the redacted terms to confirm they are gone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I redact a document so the text cannot be recovered?
Remove the content instead of covering it. True removal rebuilds each page as an image, so the text under a box no longer exists in the file. A black rectangle drawn on top leaves the text selectable and searchable.
What is the difference between True removal and overlay?
Overlay draws a box over the content but keeps the original text and images in the file. True removal rebuilds the page so the covered content is gone. Use True removal for anything you share outside your team.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Redaction runs entirely in your browser, and the file never leaves your device.
Full guide: How to redact a document permanently: metadata, scans, and verification
