Redact PDF
Find words or phrases and permanently black them out, optionally flattening to images so the underlying text is truly removed.
🔒 This tool processes your file on our secure server. Files are sent over an encrypted connection.
Black out words automatically.
or click to choose
Redact a PDF by permanently blacking out sensitive words and phrases. Type the names, numbers, or terms you want to censor, and the tool finds every match and covers it with a solid bar. Choose to flatten the page to an image so the hidden text can never be copied, searched, or recovered. Ideal for sharing contracts, medical records, or financial statements while keeping confidential details private.
How to Redact PDF
- Upload the PDF you want to redact.
- Type the words or phrases to find and black out.
- Optionally flatten to images, then download the redacted file.
Frequently asked questions
Is the original text really gone?
When you flatten the redacted page to an image, the underlying text is removed entirely, so no one can copy, search, or recover it. A simple black box on its own can sometimes be lifted, which is why flattening matters.
Is this tool free and are my files safe?
Yes, it is completely free with no sign-up and no watermark. Your file is uploaded over an encrypted connection, processed on a secure server, and not shared with anyone.
Can I redact several words or phrases at once?
Yes. Enter multiple words or phrases separated by commas and the tool finds and blacks out every matching occurrence across all pages in a single pass, so you don't have to redact them one by one.
Will redaction change the quality of the rest of the page?
If you keep the PDF as-is, untouched text and images stay crisp and selectable. Flattening converts pages to images, which removes the hidden text but keeps the visible layout looking the same.
Is this safe for confidential or legal documents?
Flattening to images is the safest option for sensitive contracts, court filings, or records, because it strips the hidden text layer so blacked-out content cannot be extracted from the final file.
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