How to Redact a PDF Permanently
Many people cover a name or a number with a black rectangle and send the file. In most editors the text is still under the rectangle, and anyone can select, copy or search for it. Real redaction removes the content itself.
Steps
- Open the PDF redaction tool. Drop in the file. The pages appear on screen.
- Mark what to hide. Draw boxes over the parts to remove, or search for a word and mark every match.
- Choose the quality. Pages with boxes are turned into pictures, so pick a resolution that stays readable.
- Download and test. Open the result, press Select All or search for a hidden word. Nothing should be found on the redacted pages.
Good to know
The tool turns only the pages you marked into images, and leaves the other pages untouched. The marked pages lose their selectable text, and the file may become larger.
Redaction cannot reach other copies. Delete or secure the original file, and check old emails and cloud folders.
Also clear the document properties, because the title or author can give away information too.