How do I know the text is really gone?

Try to select or search for it in the downloaded file — removed content cannot be found, selected or copied.

Why is drawing a black rectangle not enough?

The rectangle is a layer on top; the text lives on underneath, one copy-paste from exposure. Removal is the only safe redaction.

Can I black out parts of a scanned page?

Yes — the marked region of the page image is removed.

Anything else before sharing a redacted file?

Clear the metadata too (Remove PDF Metadata) — author fields can leak what the pages no longer do.

Black Out Text in PDF

Blacking out done right: the black box you see is backed by actual removal of the text beneath it. Not a drawn rectangle anyone can copy-paste through — real redaction. Free with fair daily limits.

Free Encrypted Deleted in 1 hour

1Upload
2Configure
3Download

Drag & drop your file here

or click to browse · Up to 15 MB

Select file

Accepted: PDF

256-bit SSL encrypted No sign-up to start Auto-deleted in 1 hour

Your files are processed temporarily and deleted automatically — there is no general cloud storage. File deletion.

How to redact pdf

Simple steps — no software to install.

1
Upload the PDF
The document with content to remove.
2
Mark the text to black out
Draw redaction areas over it.
3
Apply and verify
Content removed; boxes mark where.

Why use our Redact PDF

Secure & private

Files are encrypted in transit and deleted automatically after processing.

Fast results

Optimized processing returns your file in seconds.

Free to start

Core tools are free with daily limits — no install required.

Works anywhere

Runs in your browser on any device, anywhere in the world.

The rectangle trap

Drawing a black shape over text hides nothing: select-all, copy, paste — the "hidden" text appears. Real blacking out removes the content and then shows the black box as a visual marker. This tool does the removal.

Verify the removal

After redacting, try selecting text where the black boxes sit — there is nothing to select, because nothing is there. That test is the difference between redacted and embarrassed. Files are processed temporarily and deleted automatically — there is no general cloud storage.

Removal, not covering
Copy-paste-proof result
Visual black-box markers
Free with fair daily limits
Original stays untouched