How to Redact a PDF (Permanently Black Out Text)
Black out sensitive information in a PDF so it can't be copied or recovered. A step-by-step guide to true redaction — not a black box you can peel away.
Short answer: Open the Redact PDF tool, upload your file, type the words or phrases to hide, and download a redacted copy. The sensitive text is permanently removed — not just covered with a black box.
Before you share a contract, medical record or bank statement, you often need to hide names, numbers or addresses. The dangerous mistake is drawing a black rectangle over the text: in most viewers the words are still there underneath and can be copied out in seconds.
Why a black box is not redaction
A shape drawn on top of a PDF is just a layer. The original text stays in the file, so anyone can:
- Select and copy the "hidden" text straight out from behind the box.
- Search the document and find it.
- Recover it by removing the shape in an editor.
True redaction removes the text itself, then flattens the page so there is nothing left to uncover.
How to redact a PDF properly
- Upload your file to the Redact PDF tool.
- Enter the words or phrases you want to remove — names, ID numbers, emails, and so on.
- Download the redacted PDF. Matches are blacked out and the underlying text is stripped from the page.
What to redact before sharing
| Document | Commonly redacted |
|---|---|
| Contracts | Names, signatures, financial terms |
| Medical records | Patient name, ID, diagnosis codes |
| Bank statements | Account and card numbers, balances |
| Job applications | Address, phone, date of birth |
Tips for safe redaction
- Redact the source, then verify. Open the finished file and try to select the blacked-out area — nothing should be copyable.
- Keep an original. Store the unredacted version separately in case you need the full document later.
- Mind the metadata. Sensitive details can also hide in file properties; share only the redacted export, not the working copy.
Need to hide an entire document instead of a few phrases? Combine redaction with the Password Protect PDF tool for an extra layer before sending.