PDF Guides
How to Redact a PDF (Remove Sensitive Information)
Redacting a PDF means permanently removing sensitive text or images before you share the document — not just covering them with a black box that can be selected and copied out. It matters any time you're sharing a document that contains information the recipient shouldn't see.
Why 'covering' text isn't the same as redacting it
A common mistake is drawing a black rectangle over sensitive text in a PDF viewer or image editor. The text is often still there underneath, and can be copied, selected, or revealed by removing the shape. Real redaction removes the underlying content, not just its appearance.
What people usually redact
Redaction comes up most often with financial statements, legal filings, medical records, and HR documents.
- Account and routing numbers
- Social insurance or ID numbers
- Names of third parties not involved in the request
- Salary figures and other confidential financial details
- Signatures on documents being shared for reference only
How to redact a PDF
The process is straightforward: mark what needs to disappear, then apply it.
- Upload the PDF you need to redact
- Draw a box over each piece of text or image to remove
- Apply the redactions — this permanently removes the underlying content
- Download the redacted PDF
Frequently asked questions
Is redacted text still selectable or searchable afterward?
No. Proper redaction removes the underlying text and image data, not just its visual appearance, so it can't be copied or recovered from the file.
Can I redact multiple areas on the same page?
Yes, you can mark as many regions as needed across as many pages as the document has before applying the redactions.
Should I redact a copy or the original file?
Redact a copy. Keep your unredacted original in a safe place and only share the redacted version.