How to redact a PDF properly
Many 'redacted' PDFs leak information because the text is only covered, not removed. Here's how to make sure hidden details are really gone.
Why black boxes aren't enough
Drawing a rectangle or using a black highlighter adds a layer on top of the page. The text underneath is still in the file — anyone can select it, copy it, or find it with search. Proper redaction removes the underlying content.
Steps
- Open Redact PDF and drop the document.
- Search for names, numbers or email addresses, or drag boxes over areas by hand.
- Check every page and make sure each box covers the whole detail.
- Leave Remove metadata switched on, then click Redact & download.
- Open the result and try to select or search for the redacted text to confirm it's gone.
What to redact
- Names, signatures, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.
- Account, card, passport, tax and ID numbers.
- Dates of birth, medical details and anything else that identifies a person.
- Hidden information such as the document title and author.
Tools used in this guide
Related guides
How to redact a PDF properly — FAQ
Not when the page is flattened, as this tool does — the original text is removed from those pages. Text that was only covered by a box can be recovered easily.