Redact PDF
Redact sensitive information from PDFs for free. Draw or search to redact — all processing in your browser.
Your files never leave your device. All processing happens in your browser. We don't upload, store, or access your files.
Drop your PDF here or click to browse
PDF files — no size limit
How to Use
- 1Drop your PDF file into the upload area or click to browse
- 2Choose Draw mode to visually select areas, or Search mode to find text
- 3In Draw mode, click and drag on the page to create redaction rectangles. In Search mode, type a term and click Find.
- 4Click "Apply Redactions & Download" to save the redacted PDF
Need more detail? Read our complete guide.
About This Tool
Remove sensitive information from PDF documents by drawing black rectangles over confidential content or by searching for specific text to redact automatically. The redaction tool offers two modes: Draw mode lets you visually select areas on each page to black out, while Search mode finds all occurrences of a word or phrase and redacts them in one click. All processing happens 100% in your browser — your files are never uploaded to any server, making this the most private way to redact PDFs online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PDF redaction work?
Our tool places permanent black rectangles over the areas you select or the text you search for. The redacted content is covered in the saved PDF — it cannot be revealed by selecting text or copying content. All processing runs in your browser, so your sensitive document never leaves your device.
What is the difference between Draw mode and Search mode?
Draw mode lets you visually select areas on a PDF page by clicking and dragging to create black rectangles — useful when you want to redact images, signatures, or specific visual areas. Search mode lets you type a word or phrase, finds all occurrences across the document, and redacts them all at once — ideal for names, account numbers, or email addresses that appear multiple times.
Is the redaction permanent?
Yes. Once you apply redactions and download the result, the black rectangles are permanently drawn onto the PDF pages. The underlying content cannot be recovered from the redacted file. Always keep a copy of your original document in case you need the unredacted version later.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. All redaction processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your PDF file is never transmitted over the network. You can verify this by disconnecting from the internet after loading the page — the tool continues to work because no server connection is needed.