Redact a PDF

Redact a PDF by permanently blacking out sensitive words and phrases, such as names, account numbers, or addresses. We find every match, cover it, and flatten the page so the hidden text cannot be copied back out. Your file is processed securely and deleted right after.

How to redact pdf

1. 1Upload your PDF.
2. 2Type the words or phrases to redact, one per line.
3. 3We black out every match and flatten the page.
4. 4Download the safely redacted PDF.

When to use this tool

• You're sharing a contract or statement publicly and need to black out account numbers or names first.
• A document has to go to opposing counsel or a regulator with certain sections withheld.
• You're publishing a report and need to remove personal information before it goes out.
• You received a document with sensitive terms and need to hide them before forwarding it internally.
• You're releasing a document under a freedom-of-information or disclosure request with specific exemptions.
• A shared spreadsheet or report needs internal pricing or personal details removed before it goes external.

Tips for a better result

• List every variation of a name or number you want redacted, since matching is exact text.
• Redact a copy, not your working file, since the process is permanent once you download it.
• Double-check the output by trying to select the blacked-out area; it should not be selectable.
• Combine with Sanitize PDF if the document also has hidden metadata you want stripped out.
• After redacting, open the file fresh, not just scroll the same view, to confirm the black boxes cover everything intended.

Privacy: what happens to your file

This tool uploads your file to our server, which forwards it to a self-hosted PDF engine to black out and flatten the matched text, then streams the result straight back to your download. Our own server doesn't write a copy to disk or share your file with anyone else.

Redact PDF is one of 34 free organize-category tools on fillable.ca. It pairs well with protect pdf, flatten pdf and compress pdf for a complete document workflow — see the full tools listfor everything else that’s free to use.