Redact a PDF online for free
This free Redact PDF tool lets you permanently black out sensitive information in a PDF, entirely inside your browser. Open your file, drag boxes over names, numbers, or any text you want to hide on each page, then redact. The tool flattens each redacted page into an image with the black boxes burned in, so the text underneath is truly gone — not just visually covered.
Everything runs locally with JavaScript, so your document is never uploaded to a server, which is essential when handling confidential records. Because redaction flattens the page, the redacted pages become images and their text is no longer selectable, which is exactly what makes the removal permanent. It works on desktop and mobile.
How to redact a PDF
Add your PDF, move between pages, drag boxes over every piece of sensitive content, then press Redact and Download to get a safely flattened file.
Frequently asked questions
Is the content really removed?
Yes. Each redacted page is flattened into an image with the black boxes burned in, so the original text underneath is permanently gone and cannot be copied or recovered.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Redaction happens entirely in your browser. Your file never leaves your device or gets stored.
Why is text no longer selectable after redacting?
To guarantee the hidden text is truly removed, redacted pages are converted to images. That flattening is what makes the redaction permanent.
Can I redact several areas?
Yes. Draw as many boxes as you need on any page. Each box becomes a permanent black mark.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. You can draw redaction boxes with touch on iPhone and Android.