Is this real redaction or just a black box?

Real redaction. Every page with a box is re-drawn as an image with the box burned in, so the original text on that page is gone from the file. You can confirm by trying to select or search it.

Why does a redacted page lose its selectable text?

Because removing text safely from a PDF content stream is unreliable. Rebuilding the page as an image guarantees nothing hidden survives.

Runs on your device

Redact a PDF permanently

Permanently redact a PDF in your browser. Draw boxes over what must go; every page with a redaction is rebuilt as an image, so the hidden text is removed from the file, not just covered.

Drop a PDF hereSelect filePDF only, up to 200 MB. Files stay on your device.

Good to know

Pages that contain a redaction are converted to images at 200 dpi with the boxes burned in. Their text can no longer be selected, searched or copied; pages without redactions keep their text.
Document title, author and other metadata are not copied to the redacted file.
Check every page before sharing: anything outside a box stays visible.

Frequently asked questions

Is this real redaction or just a black box?: Real redaction. Every page with a box is re-drawn as an image with the box burned in, so the original text on that page is gone from the file. You can confirm by trying to select or search it.
Why does a redacted page lose its selectable text?: Because removing text safely from a PDF content stream is unreliable. Rebuilding the page as an image guarantees nothing hidden survives.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

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