Redact a PDF Free Online — Permanently Remove Sensitive Info
Redacting a PDF permanently removes sensitive content — a Social Security number, an account number, a name — before you share the document with someone else. This is different from just covering something visually: once redacted and saved, the original content is painted over in the file itself and can't be recovered by copying the text or opening it in another viewer.
Use it any time a document needs to go somewhere it shouldn't reveal everything it currently contains: a shared contract, a court filing, an internal report being sent externally.
Try it now — free, no credit card
Redact PDF for freeHow it works
- Upload the PDF containing sensitive information.
- Draw a box over each section that needs to be removed.
- Save — the redaction is permanently baked into the file.
- Download the redacted PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Is redacted content really gone, or just hidden visually?
It's really gone. Once saved, the original content underneath the redaction is permanently painted over in the file — it can't be recovered by copying text, using find, or opening the file elsewhere.
Can I undo a redaction after saving?
No — redaction is intentionally permanent once you save, since the whole point is that the original content shouldn't be recoverable. Double-check placement before saving.