Redact PDF
Redact PDF files online for free. Black out names, numbers, and other sensitive information, and the text underneath is permanently deleted.
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How to Redact a PDF
Need to hide names, account numbers, or other private details before sharing a PDF? ToolifyPDF lets you redact PDF documents for free, right in your browser. Draw black boxes over the information you want to hide, click "Save", and the text and images under those boxes are permanently deleted from the file, not just covered. Nobody can copy, search, or recover what you redacted. No software to install, no account, and no watermark.
Real Redaction
Text and images under your black boxes are removed from the PDF itself. They can't be copied, searched, or revealed by moving the box, unlike a simple black rectangle.
Draw Boxes Anywhere
Use "Redact Area" to drag a box over text, or draw shapes and freehand marks to cover signatures, photos, or handwritten notes.
Any Page of the Document
Move through the pages and redact as many areas as you need, then save everything at once. Pages you don't touch stay exactly as they were.
How to Redact a PDF
- Select File: Click "Select File" or drag and drop your PDF into the box.
- Mark the Information: Use "Redact Area", shapes, or the pen to draw black boxes over everything you want to hide, on any page.
- Save: Click "Save" to permanently delete the content under the boxes.
- Download: Click "Download" to get your redacted PDF, then check it before sharing.
Redact PDF Files on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android
ToolifyPDF works in any modern browser. You can redact PDF files on Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, or Android without installing software. It works in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.
Why Redact PDF Files with ToolifyPDF?
Redacting correctly matters when you share personal or confidential documents. Unlike Adobe Acrobat Pro, which requires a paid subscription, ToolifyPDF lets you redact PDF files online from any device, for free. It's perfect for:
- Hiding account numbers and balances on bank statements before sending them
- Removing ID numbers, addresses, and phone numbers from documents you share
- Blacking out salaries or personal details in HR documents
- Preparing contracts and legal documents before publishing or sharing them
- Hiding names and confidential data in reports and case files
FAQ
How do I redact a PDF?
Upload your PDF to ToolifyPDF, draw black boxes over the information you want to hide with "Redact Area" or the shape tools, and click "Save". The content under the boxes is deleted, and you can download the redacted PDF.
What does it mean to redact a PDF?
Redacting means permanently removing confidential information from a document before sharing it, usually shown as a black box. Real redaction deletes the hidden text and images from the file. Simply drawing a black shape on top is not enough, because the text underneath can still be copied or found by search.
Is the redacted information really deleted?
Yes. The text and images under your black boxes are removed from the PDF, not just covered. We tested it: after redaction, the hidden words can't be selected, searched, or found anywhere in the file.
Can I redact a PDF for free?
Yes. You can redact PDF files online for free, with no account and no watermark. Your PDF can be up to 200 MB, and password-protected PDF files are supported.
Can I still select text after redacting?
On pages where you added redactions, no. Those pages are saved as high-resolution images (300 DPI) to make sure nothing hidden remains, so their text can't be selected or searched. Pages without redactions keep their normal, selectable text.
How do I redact text in a PDF?
Choose "Redact Area" and drag a box over each word, line, or paragraph you want to hide. There's no automatic search, so zoom in and check that each box fully covers the text before you save.
Does redaction remove hidden information like the author's name?
Yes. When the redacted PDF is created, its document properties (author, title, subject, creation software, dates and XMP metadata) are removed too, because they often contain the very names you are hiding. Bookmarks and file attachments are kept: if their titles or contents are sensitive, remove them before sharing.
How do I redact a PDF on a Mac?
Open ToolifyPDF in Safari, Chrome, or any browser on your Mac or MacBook, upload your PDF, draw your redaction boxes, and click "Save". You don't need Adobe Acrobat Pro or any other app.
What's the difference between redacting and the Whiteout tool in Edit PDF?
Whiteout in Edit PDF only covers content with a white box, and the text underneath stays in the file. Redact PDF permanently deletes it. Always use Redact PDF for anything confidential.
How can I check that my PDF is properly redacted?
Open the downloaded PDF and try to select the area under each black box, or use Ctrl+F or Cmd+F to search for a word you redacted. If nothing is found, the information is gone.
Advanced Features
Beyond basic redaction, our tool offers several useful features:
- Permanent Deletion: Content under black boxes is removed from the PDF, not just hidden.
- Redact Area Tool: Drag boxes over text with precision.
- Shapes and Pen: Cover signatures, photos, or irregular areas.
- Multi-Page Redaction: Redact areas on as many pages as you need before saving.
- Zoom Controls: Zoom in to cover small text precisely.
- Untouched Pages Kept: Pages without redactions keep their original text and quality.
💡 Pro Tip
Always check the downloaded file before sharing it. Search for a redacted word with Ctrl+F or Cmd+F, and then run the PDF through Remove PDF Metadata so the author's name and other document properties don't give away information.
Privacy & Security
We take your privacy seriously. All file uploads and processing happen over encrypted HTTPS connections. Your files are automatically deleted from our servers after one hour, and we never store or share your documents with third parties. You maintain complete control over your data at all times.
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Start removing sensitive information from your PDF now. It's free, fast, and requires no registration.