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What is Redact PDF?
Redact PDF removes names, account numbers, addresses and anything else that must not be shared. Draw boxes over it, or search for words and every match is marked for you. When you apply, each marked page is rebuilt as an image with the boxes burnt in, so the text underneath is gone from the file, and the saved PDF is read again to confirm nothing hidden is left. A black rectangle drawn on top would not do this — the text would still be there to copy.
Redact PDF documents properly. A black box drawn on top hides nothing — the text is still there to copy. Fah Swe Tools rebuilds each marked page with the redactions burnt in, so the hidden text is removed from the file, then reads the saved PDF again to make sure. Search finds every match for you.
Key features
- Draw redaction boxes or search for words
- Black or white fill
- Marked pages rebuilt so the text is truly removed
- Result checked for leftover text before download
- Unmarked pages stay unchanged
- Runs in your browser — the PDF is never uploaded
Popular uses
- Hide national ID, passport and account numbers before sharing
- Remove client names from a case study
- Prepare documents for public release
Supported formats
Input: PDF. Output: PDF with redacted pages as images (PNG for sharp text, or smaller JPG).
Troubleshooting
- Search found nothing The page may be a scan with no real text — draw boxes by hand instead.
- It asks for a password The PDF is encrypted. Type its password — it stays in this browser tab for this file only and is never sent. Without the password the file can't be opened.
- The page says the PDF is too large for this device Large PDFs have to fit in your browser's memory. Close other tabs, use a computer instead of a phone, or split the PDF into smaller parts first.
Also known as: PDF redaction, Black out PDF, Censor PDF, Hide text in PDF.
How it works
- Choose a PDF; the pages open on your device.
- Draw boxes over what must go, or search for words to mark every match.
- Apply: every marked page is rebuilt with the boxes burnt in, and the saved file is checked for leftover text before you download.
FAQ
Is the hidden text really removed?
Yes. Marked pages are rebuilt as images with the boxes burnt in, so the text under them no longer exists in the file. A black rectangle drawn on top would not do that.
What happens to the rest of the page?
Text on a redacted page can no longer be selected or searched. Pages without marks are untouched.
Does it work with password-protected PDFs?
Yes. Type the password when asked. It is kept in memory for this file only and is never sent, stored or logged.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The PDF is opened and processed in your browser; it never leaves your device.
Why do redacted pages lose selectable text?
Rebuilding the page as a picture is what guarantees the hidden words are gone. Pages you don't mark keep their text.
Does it also remove metadata?
No. Run Remove PDF Metadata afterwards to clear the author, software and other hidden properties.