Redact PDF
Click and drag to draw black boxes over sensitive content.
Open Redact PDF →What is the redact PDF tool?
A tool for covering sensitive content in a PDF by drawing black boxes over it. You drag rectangles over names, figures or any text you want hidden, then save a new PDF with those areas blacked out. It runs entirely in your browser, so the document never leaves your device.
How to use Redact PDF
- Open a PDF — Drop a PDF onto the page or click to choose a file. Every page renders so you can scroll through them.
- Draw redactions — Click and drag anywhere on a page to draw a black box over the content you want to cover. Repeat across as many pages as you need.
- Adjust if needed — Click an existing box to select it, then press Delete to remove it. Use Undo (Ctrl/Cmd + Z) or Clear all to start over.
- Save the redacted PDF — When you're done, save the file. A new PDF is downloaded with the black boxes drawn permanently onto the pages.
Frequently asked questions
Is the redaction permanent and safe for sensitive documents?
The black rectangles are drawn on top of the content, which visually covers it and stops casual viewing. For forensic-grade redaction — such as court filings or classified material — use specialised software that also strips the underlying text from the PDF stream.
Is my PDF uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is processed entirely in your browser and never leaves your device.
Can I remove a box I drew by mistake?
Yes. Click the box to select it and press Delete or Backspace, or press Ctrl/Cmd + Z to undo your last action. Clear all removes every redaction.
Can I redact more than one page?
Yes. Every page of the PDF is shown, and you can draw redaction boxes on any of them before saving.
Tips
- Zoom your browser if you need to place a box precisely over small text.
- Use Undo or click-and-delete to fine-tune a box rather than starting over.
- Draw the box a little larger than the text to be sure nothing peeks out at the edges.
- For legally sensitive files, treat this as a quick visual cover and follow up with forensic redaction software.