Redact PDF Files
Remove sensitive information from PDFs with visual redaction and text removal. All processing happens in your browser — no uploads, no tracking, completely private.
Click or drag PDF here
Maximum file size: 50MB
How to Use
1. Upload PDF
Click the drop zone or drag and drop your PDF file (max 50MB, 500 pages).
2. Draw Redaction Boxes
Click and drag on the page preview to draw rectangles over sensitive content. Navigate between pages to redact multiple areas.
3. Apply & Download
Choose "Unflattened" for further editing or "Flattened" (recommended) for maximum security before sharing.
Features
Visual Redaction
Draw solid black rectangles over sensitive content. Content is completely obscured from view with precise control over redaction areas.
Text Content Removal
Attempts to remove or mask underlying text from PDF content streams, preventing extraction via copy-paste or search.
Client-Side Only
All redaction happens locally in your browser. Your sensitive documents never leave your device.
Multi-Page Support
Redact content across multiple pages. Navigate through your document and select areas on any page.
Flattening Option
Choose between unflattened (editable) or flattened (secure) output. Flattening merges all layers.
Large File Support
Optimized for large files. Efficient processing ensures smooth performance even with PDFs up to 50MB.
Common Use Cases
Legal Documents
- •Redact client names and case numbers
- •Remove confidential information from filings
Financial Records
- •Remove account numbers and SSNs
- •Redact sensitive financial data
Medical Records
- •Protect patient privacy and PHI
- •Redact names and dates of birth
Government Documents
- •Redact classified information
- •Remove PII before FOIA releases
Business Contracts
- •Protect proprietary terms and pricing
- •Redact partner names from templates
Research Papers
- •Anonymize participant information
- •Redact confidential research data
Your Privacy is Protected
This tool runs entirely in your browser using the pdf-lib library. Your PDFs are never uploaded to any server, stored, or transmitted over the internet. All redaction happens locally on your device.
In addition to visual redaction, the tool attempts to mask text content from the PDF's internal content streams within redacted areas. When you select the flattened option, all PDF layers are merged into a single, non-editable representation. This ensures that redaction boxes cannot be removed or manipulated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my PDF uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your PDF file never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy.
What's the difference between unflattened and flattened?
Unflattened PDFs preserve the document structure, allowing further edits. Flattened PDFs merge all layers, making the redactions permanent and non-removable. Always use flattened for final, secure sharing.
Can redactions be removed from the PDF?
If you use the flattened option, redactions cannot be removed as all layers are merged. Unflattened PDFs may allow redaction removal in some PDF editors, so always use flattening for secure documents.
Does this work with encrypted/password-protected PDFs?
No. Encrypted PDFs must have password protection removed before redaction. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized modifications.
What is the maximum file size?
The maximum file size is 50MB per PDF. This limit ensures smooth performance in your browser without exhausting system memory.
How precise is the text content removal?
The tool attempts to mask text in the PDF content stream within redacted areas. While this significantly reduces the risk of text extraction, PDF structure complexity may vary. Always review the output and use flattening for maximum security.
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