Redact PDF
Place black boxes over visible PDF details, export image-based pages and inspect every result. Source text is not copied; 25 MB and 30-page limits.
Cover visible details and check the exported PDF
Select a local PDF, choose a page and drag a box over each visible detail you want to hide. Review all pages, then select Flatten & Download PDF. A result is created only when at least one box exists. Open the downloaded file and inspect each black area at a readable zoom before you send it.
The tool renders every page at a fixed resolution and rebuilds a new PDF from page images. This removes selectable text and other source-PDF objects, including links and form fields, from the output. It also makes previously searchable text unsearchable and can change image quality or file size. The tool checks that the exported PDF has the expected page count and no selectable text, but it cannot judge whether you covered every sensitive detail.
For a highly sensitive, legal or regulated document, use a dedicated redaction and sanitization process and inspect the final file. Adobe distinguishes visible redaction from the separate removal of hidden information such as metadata, comments and attachments in its redaction and sanitization guide. This page cannot certify compliance with any legal standard.
Frequently asked questions
How does this PDF redaction tool make its output?
It renders every source page to an image, paints your black boxes onto those images, then builds a new PDF from the images. The output check rejects a file if selectable PDF text remains.
Does it automatically find sensitive information?
No. You must locate and cover every sensitive occurrence yourself, including headers, footers and repeated pages. Inspect the downloaded PDF at a readable zoom before sharing.
Can I edit or search the output text?
No. All pages become images, including pages without boxes. Text selection, search, forms, links and original document accessibility are lost.
Is a black box in another PDF editor enough?
An ordinary shape can leave underlying content in the document. This tool rebuilds pages from rendered pixels, but you still need to inspect coverage and other visible content.
What about metadata and hidden PDF objects?
The tool creates a fresh image-based PDF rather than copying source PDF objects. For a legal or regulated release, use a dedicated redaction/sanitization workflow and independently inspect the final file.
Does my local PDF get uploaded?
A PDF selected from the device is processed in the browser. Optional cloud import contacts its provider; the page may also load site resources, analytics or ads.
What are the input limits?
The tool accepts a PDF up to 25 MB and 30 pages. A page too large for its render limit is rejected. Complex documents may require a more capable desktop workflow.