Redact PDF
Permanently redact words and areas in a PDF. Redacted pages are rebuilt so hidden text cannot be copied or recovered. Free, private.
- Upload
- Options
- Download
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ No sign-up
- ✓ No limits
- 🔒 Files never leave your device
How to: Redact PDF
- Select your PDF.
- Enter words to redact and/or draw boxes on the preview.
- Click Start and download the redacted PDF.
Drawing a black box over text in many editors leaves the text underneath – anyone can copy it out. True redaction removes it. FreePDF rebuilds every redacted page so the hidden content is gone, and because it runs locally, the sensitive document never leaves your device.
Common uses
- Hide account numbers, ID numbers and signatures before sharing.
- Remove personal data from documents released under privacy or freedom-of-information requests.
- Black out client names in case studies or court filings.
Tips for best results
- Search for a word to redact every occurrence at once, then add boxes for images or signatures.
- Check the result by trying to select and copy text in the redacted areas.
- Also run Remove PDF Metadata – author names and titles can reveal information.
Why use FreePDF for Redact PDF?
| FreePDF | Typical upload-based sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded to a server | No – processed on your device | Yes |
| Sign-up required | Never | Often for bigger jobs |
| Hourly / daily task limits | None | Common on free plans |
| Watermark on output | Never | Sometimes |
| Works offline after loading | Yes, for most tools | No |
Frequently asked questions
Is the redaction permanent?
Yes. Every page with a redaction is rebuilt as an image with the areas blacked out, so the underlying text is gone. Other pages are kept unchanged.
Can redacted text be recovered?
No. Every page with a redaction is rebuilt as an image with the areas blacked out, so the underlying text is gone. Other pages are kept unchanged.
Is Redact PDF really free?
Yes. Every tool on FreePDF is 100% free with no file limits, no sign-up and no watermarks. The site is supported by unobtrusive ads.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FreePDF processes your files directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your documents never leave your device, so they stay completely private.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. FreePDF works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.