Removed, not covered
The text, pictures and drawings under each box are removed from the file, then the file is read back to check that nothing is left.
Redact a PDF: remove text for good
Mark the names, numbers and pictures to hide, and GenPDF removes them from the file itself instead of covering them. Each area is painted black, and what lay under it can't be copied or recovered. Free, in your browser.
or drop it here
- Runs in your browser
- Free, no account needed
- Works on phones
How it works
How to redact a PDF
- 01
Choose your PDF. It opens in the editor, in your browser.
- 02
Choose Redact, then drag over what to remove, or type a word to mark every place it is written.
- 03
Apply the redaction and download the PDF.
Why GenPDF
Redact PDF with GenPDF: what is different
Every place at once
Type a name or an account number and every place it is written is marked, on every page, for you to check before applying.
Told what else to clean
If the words also appear in the title, bookmarks, form fields or comments, GenPDF says where, and which tool cleans each.
Questions
Redact PDF: questions and answers
Isn't a black box enough?
No. A box drawn over text only hides it: anyone can copy the words from underneath. Redact removes them from the file.
Can I redact a scanned document?
Yes. Drag a box over the part of the scan to remove, and the picture under it is cut away. To find words on a scan, choose Make text editable first.
Can I undo a redaction?
Yes, until you close the document: undo brings it back in the editor. The PDF you download no longer contains what was removed.
Is my PDF uploaded to redact it?
No. Redaction runs in your browser. Note that a scanned page is sent as an image only if you agree to have its words read, and deleted as soon as they are read.