Redact PDF online

What Redact PDF does

Redact PDF locates supplied terms in selectable text, rasterizes each page, and burns opaque boxes into a new image-only PDF so the original text layer is absent.

Redact PDF runs as a queued server job after the source upload completes. The generated artifact receives a separate download link, so the original device file remains unchanged.

How to use this tool

Prepare the source
List exact terms, run OCR first for image-only scans, and make a separate inventory of every item requiring removal. This preparation matters specifically before using Redact PDF.
Upload and inspect
Select one text-based PDF and comma-separated words or phrases, wait for the Redact PDF upload to finish, and confirm that the displayed source is the intended file.
Choose the available options
Set only the Redact PDF controls needed for this output and review required fields before starting the job.
Download and verify
Search for each term, attempt text selection, and visually inspect every page because line wrapping and fragmented text can affect matching. Keep the source until the Redact PDF result has passed that review.

Common use cases

Prepare a delivery copy

Use Redact PDF to create a separate copy for a recipient without overwriting the maintained source.

Correct one document workflow

Apply Redact PDF to a known document problem after confirming the operation matches the intended outcome.

Create a review candidate

Generate a Redact PDF result that can be checked before it enters a records, publishing, or sharing process.

Supported inputs

one text-based PDF and comma-separated words or phrases
One Redact PDF job at a time through the current public workspace

Output

One image-only PDF with matched selectable text regions burned black.

Limitations to know

Term matching can miss split text runs, spelling variations, images, handwriting, metadata, annotations, or hidden attachments; independent review is essential.
Redact PDF cannot reconstruct source information that is absent, damaged, or inaccessible in the uploaded document.
Viewer, font, image, form, signature, and accessibility behavior can change after Redact PDF; compare important output with the source.
No Redact PDF result should be treated as legal, archival, accessibility, or compliance certification without the required independent review.

Privacy and document handling

Redact PDF uploads the selected source to configured object storage so the worker can process it.
The worker attempts to remove temporary Redact PDF workspace files after the job, which is separate from stored input and output retention.
Avoid using Redact PDF with confidential material unless the published storage and retention information is suitable for the document.

Stored input and output objects are deleted automatically: files uploaded without an account are removed about 24 hours after upload, and files belonging to a signed-in account are removed after 7 days. A scheduled sweep enforces this hourly against the object store itself. Workers attempt to remove per-job temporary directories after processing. This does not delete stored input or output objects.

Read the Privacy Policy and Security page for verified implementation details and open questions.

Troubleshooting

Redact PDF cannot start

Confirm the expected one text-based PDF and comma-separated words or phrases finished uploading and every required Redact PDF option contains a valid value.

Redact PDF reports a processing error

Open the source locally, remove unsupported encryption where authorized, and retry Redact PDF with a smaller valid file.

Redact PDF output is not suitable

Search for each term, attempt text selection, and visually inspect every page because line wrapping and fragmented text can affect matching. If it still differs, retain the source and use a workflow designed for that document feature.

Still stuck? Review Help and common questions or contact support.

Frequently asked questions

Does Redact PDF replace my original file?

No. Redact PDF creates a separate stored output and does not edit the source on your device.

Is every Redact PDF result guaranteed to look identical?

No. Redact PDF depends on the source structure and processing engine, so important pages and features must be checked.

Should I delete my source after Redact PDF?

No. Keep the source until the Redact PDF output has been opened, compared, and accepted for its intended use.

How should I check my Redact PDF result?

Open every Redact PDF download and compare it with the unchanged source before sharing or deleting anything. Pay particular attention to this documented limitation: Term matching can miss split text runs, spelling variations, images, handwriting, metadata, annotations, or hidden attachments; independent review is essential.