Redact PDF Online Free
Redact PDF documents: black out private details so they are gone for good.
- No upload
- Search and mark
- No sign-up
- Truly removed
Redact PDF files before you share them: names, account numbers, addresses, signatures and photos are blacked out, and the text underneath is removed, not just covered. Search for words or drag boxes by hand. The file never leaves your device.
How to Redact PDF Files
Check every page before you download.
Choose your PDF
Click Choose PDF file or drop the PDF on the tool above.
Mark what to hide
Type a name, email or number in Find and black out and click Mark. To hide anything else, click a page and drag a box over it.
Redact and download
Click Redact PDF. The marked areas are blacked out for good, and the file is ready to share.
Covering Is Not Redacting
Many people hide details by drawing a black rectangle or a black highlight over them. The words are still in the file underneath: anyone can select them, copy them or search for them.
When you redact PDF pages here, each page with a black box is rebuilt as a picture with the box burnt in. The original text on that page is gone, so it cannot be copied, searched or recovered. Pages without boxes are left exactly as they were.
Tick Also remove hidden details to delete the author, title and dates stored in the file as well.
Really gone
Text under the box is removed.
Search
Every match on every page.
By hand
Signatures, photos and handwriting.
Drag Over Anything You Want Hidden
Click a page to open it large, drag boxes, and remove any box with its × button.
Highlighting, Whiteout and Redaction
Only redaction removes the text.
| Looks like | Text still in the file? | |
|---|---|---|
| Black highlight | A black bar | Yes, it can be copied |
| Whiteout | Blank space | Yes, underneath |
| Redaction (this tool) | A black bar | No, it is removed |
Redact PDF Files Without Uploading
It makes no sense to upload a confidential document to a website in order to hide its secrets. TickPDF redacts it inside your own browser tab, so it never leaves your device.
There is no account and no copy on our side.
- 0files uploadedYour PDF stays on your device.
- 0copies keptWe never see your pages.
- 0accounts neededOpen the page and start.
Works on iPhone, Android or Computer
- Windows
- Mac
- Linux
- Chromebook
- iPhone
- iPad
- Android
Open this page in your phone's browser, choose the PDF, type what to hide and tap Mark. Tap a page to add boxes by hand.
It works the same on Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook, with nothing to install.
What People Black Out
People redact PDF documents before they leave their hands.
Bank statements
Account numbers and balances.
Rental applications
ID numbers and dates of birth.
Legal documents
Privileged or personal details.
Medical letters
Diagnoses not needed by the reader.
HR files
Names of other employees.
Freedom of information
Third-party details.
Tips for Safe Redaction
- Check every pageSearch finds typed text; scans need boxes by hand.
- Search variantsTry the number with and without spaces.
- Signatures and photosDrag a box over them on the page.
- Hidden detailsKeep Also remove hidden details ticked.
- Bookmarks and namesRename the file if its name is private.
- Keep the originalStore the unredacted file somewhere safe.
More PDF Tools
They all run in the same private editor.
Whiteout PDF
Cover and type over details.
Remove PDF metadata
Delete hidden author details.
Remove annotations
Delete comments and highlights.
Protect PDF
Add a password.
Flatten PDF
Lock forms and comments in place.
PDF Editor
Edit text, sign and annotate.
Redact PDF: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what people ask before they redact a PDF.
How do I redact a PDF?
Choose your PDF at the top of this page. Type a name, email or number and click Mark, or click a page and drag over anything you want to hide. Then click Redact PDF and download the file.
Can I permanently remove sensitive information from a PDF?
Yes. Pages you redact here are saved as pictures with the black boxes burnt in, so the hidden text is not just covered: it is gone and cannot be copied or searched.
Is PDF redaction permanent?
Yes. The redacted pages are rebuilt without the original text underneath. Check every page before you share the file, and keep the unredacted original somewhere safe.
Can I redact a PDF for free?
Yes. The free plan works on PDFs up to 50 pages and 20 MB, with 3 downloads a day, no account and no watermark. TickPDF Pro removes these limits.
How do I redact text and images in a PDF?
Type the text in Find and black out and click Mark, then check each page. For pictures, signatures or handwriting, click the page and drag a box over them.
Can I redact a PDF online?
Yes. The tool runs in your web browser and the file never leaves your device, which matters for documents with private details.
How do I redact a PDF on my phone?
Open this page in your phone's browser, choose the PDF, type what to hide and tap Mark. Tap a page to add or remove boxes, then tap Redact PDF.
What is the difference between highlighting and redacting a PDF?
A black highlight only covers the text: the words are still in the file and can be copied out. Redacting removes them. This tool redacts.
Ready to Redact Your PDF?
No account, no upload and no watermark: choose your PDF at the top of this page.
Open the toolTickPDF removes private details on your own device. Choose your file and redact PDF documents today.