Redact PDF

Permanently remove sensitive information or hidden data from your PDFs.

How do I redact pdf?

Quick Answer: Upload your PDF file. Draw black boxes over the sensitive text, images, or personal information. Apply the redactions to permanently scrub the data, then download the file.

How to use Redact PDF

  1. Upload your PDF file.
  2. Draw black boxes over the sensitive text, images, or personal information.
  3. Apply the redactions to permanently scrub the data, then download the file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the redacted text truly gone?

Yes. Unlike simply drawing a black shape over text, our redaction tool permanently deletes the underlying text data so it cannot be copied or read by machines.

Can I redact images as well?

Absolutely. You can select any area of the page, including graphics and photos, to be permanently blacked out.

Is redaction reversible?

No. For your security, redaction permanently destroys the hidden data. Always keep an unredacted backup if needed.

How to redact a PDF on a Mac?

You can permanently black out and redact sensitive information from your PDF files directly on your Mac using our secure web-based tool. No additional software required.

Redact PDF — Specifications

Free file size limit
10 MB per request, no account required
Pro file size limit
2 GB per request
Price
Free — Pro from $4.99/month
Watermark
None, on any plan
Account required
No
Transfer security
256-bit SSL
File retention
Deleted automatically within 2 hours
Installation
None — runs in the browser
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, ChromeOS
Input formats
PDF
Output format
Redacted PDF
Method
Content is removed from the file, not just covered

When to use Redact PDF

  • Removing account numbers before sharing a statement.
  • Blacking out names in a document before publication.
  • Preparing a file for disclosure with personal data removed.

Troubleshooting Redact PDF

Is the text really gone?

Yes. The content is removed from the file rather than covered with a shape, so it cannot be recovered by selecting or copying underneath.

Can I redact a scanned page?

Yes, the area is removed from the image. Run OCR afterwards if you need the remaining text to be searchable.

Related tools

Is TheyLovePDF a free alternative to iLovePDF for Redact PDF?

Yes. TheyLovePDF runs Redact PDF free in the browser with no watermark, no account, and no daily operation cap. Files travel over 256-bit SSL and are deleted automatically within 2 hours.

Free iLovePDF Alternative — Redact PDF

iLovePDF limits free accounts to a set number of tasks per day and asks you to sign in for larger files. TheyLovePDF applies no daily task limit, adds no watermark, and requires no account for files up to 10MB — Pro raises that to 2GB. Both run entirely in the browser; neither needs an install.