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Covering text with a black shape doesn't delete it, and it can often still be copied. Redaction removes the content under each box from the file itself.
How to use the Redact PDF
- Upload your PDF and wait for the page to appear.
- Drag boxes over private details, or type words to find them.
- Download your redacted PDF and check it.
What to expect
Really removed
Text and picture content under each box is deleted. The file's title and author details are cleared too.
Find words for you
Type a name or number, and every copy of it in the document's text is removed.
Works on scans too
Word search needs real text, so on a scan, draw your boxes by hand.
What to check before you share
- Search the finished file for the name or number you removed.
- Look for it in headers, footers and page margins.
- Remember that word search needs an exact match, including spelling.
What should be redacted
Read our guide on how to redact a PDF properly to learn why black boxes drawn in other apps can fail.
- CNIC, passport and account numbers.
- Home addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth.
- Signatures, salary figures and medical details.
- Names of people who shouldn't be identified.
Boxes or word search?
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Word search | A name or number that appears many times | It needs real text and the same spelling |
| Drawing boxes | Scans, signatures, photos and one-off details | You have to go through each page yourself |
Frequently asked questions
What is redacting a PDF?
It means permanently removing information, such as a name or account number, so it can't be read or copied.
Is covering text with a black box the same?
No. Text under a drawn shape usually stays in the file. This tool removes it.
Should I check the result?
Yes. Always check the file before sending it, especially for spelling variations a word search can miss.
Is my document kept?
Your files are only used for this job and are deleted from the server afterwards.
Can redaction be undone?
Not in the new file, as the content is gone. Your original stays on your device, so don't share that copy.
Helpful guides
- How to Redact a PDF ProperlyWhy black boxes can leak text, and how to really remove private details.
- Scanned PDF vs Digital PDF: How to Tell the DifferenceA 10-second test to tell them apart, and why it decides what you can convert.