Redact a PDF permanently
Black out private details so they are removed from the file, not just covered.
- Real redaction
- Draw boxes over anything
- Private, in your browser
How to redact a PDF
- Open your PDF.
- Choose Redact and drag a box over each name, number or detail you want to hide. You can move, resize or delete the boxes until you are happy.
- Download. Pages with redactions are rebuilt from a picture of the page with the black boxes burned in, and the original hidden text is not carried into the new file.
Why real redaction matters
Putting a black rectangle over text is not enough. In most PDF tools the text is still underneath, and anyone can select, copy or search it. Many leaks of private information have happened this way. PDFEditKaro redaction is different: when you download, each page that has a redaction is turned into a flat picture with the black boxes drawn in, and the picture replaces the original page. The covered text no longer exists in the file.
The trade-off is that redacted pages can no longer be searched or selected, and the file may be larger. Pages without redactions are kept as they are. We recommend opening the downloaded file and trying to select the redacted area before you share it.
Good to know
- Redact is a drag-a-box tool, so you choose the areas yourself. Check every page, including headers, footers and repeated details.
- Document properties such as the title and author are not carried over from pages that go through redaction.
- Use watermark and compress after redacting if you need to.
More free PDF tools
Need to do more than edit? PDFEditKaro has a free tool for most everyday PDF jobs. Every one runs in your browser, so your files stay private. See all tools.
Edit & organize
Convert to PDF
Convert from PDF
Security
Optimize & enhance
Related tools
FAQ
Is the hidden text really removed?
Yes, on pages with a redaction. The page is replaced by a picture with the boxes burned in, and the original page content is not copied into the new file.
How is this different from a black rectangle or whiteout?
A rectangle or whiteout only covers the content, which is still in the file. Redact removes it by flattening the page.
Can I search or copy text on a redacted page?
No. Redacted pages become pictures. Pages without redactions stay as they were.
Can I undo a redaction?
Before you download, yes: delete the box. After downloading, the content is gone from the new file, so keep your original.
Is the file uploaded?
No. Redaction is done in your browser.